More than 300 cameras soon will be keeping a closer watch on students at six Charleston County schools.

The Charleston Police Department has received a federal grant of more than $250,000 to enhance security systems at the schools, and the school district will match the grant. The funds will be used to buy and install cameras and electronic keyless access systems that require staff members to use electronic cards to enter buildings.

Schools that will receive the upgraded security systems are Buist Academy, C.E. Williams Middle, James Island Middle, St. Andrew’s Middle, James Simons Elementary and St. John’s High. Some of those schools lack camera systems, and all of those schools except for Buist ranked in the top 20 as most in need of video surveillance and access control systems. Buist ranked in the top 30.

Twelve district schools already have similar, comprehensive video surveillance and access systems.

“Ensuring safety at each of our schools and programs is our utmost priority, and this funding opportunity will better enable us to improve our level of security in and around our facilities,” School Superintendent Nancy McGinley said in a statement.

The police department was among 128 local law enforcement agencies and municipalities nationwide to receive a part of the $16 million in Secure Our Schools grants from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The new camera systems include a feature that enables police to tap into them remotely and pull up images, which will allow police to see live video from schools in emergency situations. The keyless entry system will keep track of who enters and leaves buildings and will enable police to lock and unlock building doors remotely.