BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS A PUBLICSCHOOL DISTRICTBASED INASHLAND, MISSISSIPPI. THE DISTRICT PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION FOR MORE THAN 917 PRE-K THROUGH GRADE 12 STUDENTS WHILE EMPLOYING MORE THAN 200 TEACHERS AND STAFF. THE DISTRICT AND ITS SCHOOLS ARE ACCREDITED BY THEMISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION(MDE). BENTON COUNTY RESIDENTS HAVE A PER CAPITA INCOME OF $12,212 WITH OVER 23% LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE. BENTON COUNTY POPULATION STANDS AT LESS THAN 9,000 RESIDENTS. IN BENTON COUNTY 28% OF CHILDREN ARE IN POVERTY AND THE SCHOOL FUNDING PER PUPIL IS OVER $8,000 LOWER THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE. BENTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT MAINTAINS RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REGULARLY EXAMINES EACH SCHOOL SITE FOR VULNERABILITIES. FINDINGS FROM THE ASSESSMENTS INDICATE A SIGNIFICANT NEED FOR UPGRADES TO OUR FACILITIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SECURITY CORRIDOR VESTIBULES, DOOR, AND WINDOW SECURITY, REPLACING FAILING OR FAILED DOOR LOCKS AND DOOR CLOSERS, ACCESS CONTROL AT MAIN ENTRY POINTS, PROFESSIONAL SIGNAGE, AND BALLISTIC PANELS TO PROTECT STAFF AND CHILDREN. THESE UPGRADES ARE CRITICAL TO MITIGATE VIOLENCE WITHIN OUR SCHOOLS WHILE PROVIDING A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN.