Indy Standard

Local schools have received over $255,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representative Chris May (R-Bedford).

May stated that this funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which included significant investments in school safety. In total, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million in state matching grants.

"School safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to step up to help schools address their security needs," May said. "It's great to see local schools receive grants and make the security upgrades that are right for them."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Lawrence County Independent School: $35,000

- Mitchell Community Schools: $26,433

- North Lawrence Community Schools: $63,585

- Orleans Community Schools: $40,500

- Paoli Community School Corp.: $29,631

- Springs Valley Com School Corp.: $31,608

- Springville Community Academy: $28,350

Awarded funds can be used for various safety needs such as support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs. Since its inception in 2013, Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants.

For more information about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and Indiana's efforts to keep schools safe, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.

State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,

which includes all of Lawrence County and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.