Indy Standard

Hendricks County schools recently received more than $526,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by area lawmakers.

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

"Our local schools know best what their needs are to maintain security," Steuerwald said. "This funding is designed to give them flexibility so they can keep students and teachers safe."

Area schools receiving grants include:

- Avon Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Bethesda Christian School: $40,039

- Brownsburg Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Danville Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Mill Creek Community School Corp.: $81,000

- North West Hendricks Schools: $81,000

- Plainfield Community School Corp.: $81,000

State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) 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.

"Students and staff need to feel safe in order to have an effective learning environment," Thompson said. "As demonstrated by this year's list of grant recipients, many schools across the state are using this program to enact measures and install technology to keep their buildings and campuses secure."

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

"Safety concerns in schools are always shifting, but these grants give our school administrators the flexibility and means to enact quality safety plans for students and staff," Cash said. "As a mother and member of the community, this issue remains a top priority, and we'll continue to look for ways to build on the state's efforts."

"Effective school safety requires a combination of strong policies, well-trained personnel and the right technology," said State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville). "This funding gives schools the flexibility to address their specific safety challenges and ensure students and staff are protected."

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