Indy Standard

Monroe County schools recently received more than $313,600 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) said the funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. In total, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million in state matching grants.

"These grants are a critical investment in the safety of our students and teachers," Heaton said. "By providing schools with the means to enhance their safety measures, we're helping ensure that learning environments remain secure and focused on education."

Area schools receiving grants include:

- Clear Creek Christian School: $35,000

- Covenant Christian School: $80,425

- Monroe County Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corp.: $80,627

- Seven Oaks Classical School: $36,586

State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) said funds can be used for a wide range of safety needs like support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs.

"Every school community is unique, and so are their safety needs," Hall said. "These grants offer schools the ability to customize their safety plans, whether that means improving communication systems, hiring resource officers or upgrading their technology and infrastructure."

State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

"Supporting school safety means giving schools the resources they need to prepare for and respond to potential threats," Mayfield said. "These grants help schools implement the most effective safety measures, from new technology to additional training for staff and resource officers."

To learn more about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and what Indiana is doing to keep schools safe, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.