Indy Standard

Fountain County schools have received over $147,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

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

"Supporting school safety is not one-size-fits-all, and that is why these grants are so important," Morrison said. "They allow schools to invest in the specific safety improvements that will make the biggest difference for their students and staff, from resource officers to cutting-edge technology enhancements."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Attica Consolidated School Corp.: $40,500

- Covington Community School Corp.: $43,388

- Southeast Fountain School Corp.: $63,180

Negele mentioned that awarded funds could 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.

"Many schools do not have the funds or resources to keep up with improvements and new security plans needed to keep our students safe," Negele said. "Secured School Safety Grants are just one of Indiana's ways of protecting our most vulnerable as they learn and grow."

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.

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State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42, which includes all of Parke and Vermillion counties and portions of Clay, Fountain, and Vigo counties.