HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut is making $5 million available immediately to cities and towns to help reimburse them for school safety and security upgrades following 12/14.

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced the first round of funding on May 24 for the competitive grant program included in the General Assembly’s response to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He appeared on Friday at Hartford’s Classical Magnet School with US Education Secretary Arne Duncan for a town hall-style discussion about school security and education reform.

At least two more $5 million rounds are expected next year.

Mr Duncan was to announce the federal government is providing the Newtown Public Schools $1.3 million to help recover from 12/14.