The Vermont House of Representatives has approved a program that would give schools up to $25,000 each for security upgrades such as locks and surveillance cameras.

"We wanted to help our local communities really start working on school safety and have a coordinated approach for our schools," said Rep. Alice Emmons, D-Springfield, chairwoman of the House Committee on Corrections and Institutions.

Under the bill, schools could apply for up to $25,000 in grant funding to make upgrades, such as intercom systems, window coverings, doors and perimeter security measures, that are identified by the security assessments. School districts would be expected to match the grants with funds from their own budgets.