Indy Standard

Sullivan County schools have been awarded over $202,300 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, with support from State Representative Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville).

Borders highlighted that this funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which allocated significant investments toward school safety. A total of 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received a combined $24 million in state matching grants.

"Every school faces different challenges when it comes to safety, and these grants recognize those differences," Borders stated. "Whether it's enhancing communication systems or having a resource officer on campus, this funding helps schools tailor their safety measures to their specific needs."

Local schools benefiting from these grants include Dugger Union Community School Corp., which received $40,500; Northeast School Corp., awarded $80,856; and Southwest School Corp., granted $81,000.

The funds can be utilized 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 initiatives to ensure school safety, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.