Indy Standard

Putnam County schools have received over $272,300 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representative Beau Baird (R-Greencastle).

Baird noted that this 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 were awarded $24 million in state matching grants.

"School safety remains a top priority, and this funding will go a long way in helping local schools step up security in a variety of ways," Baird said. "These grants provide vital support, from funding resource officers to upgrading technology, giving schools the flexibility they need to address their unique needs."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Cloverdale Community Schools: $40,500

- Greencastle Community School Corp.: $80,868

- North Putnam Community Schools: $81,000

- South Putnam Community School Corp.: $69,984

Awarded funds can be used for various safety needs such as support for resource officers, equipment and technology upgrades, 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.