Indy Standard

Marion County schools have received over $3 million for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, as supported by area legislators.

State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), chair of the House Education Committee, noted that this funding is part of the 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.

"In order to have a good learning environment, students, teachers and families need to be confident that our classrooms are safe," Behning said. "Providing funding for schools to build and improve their security measures is a major component to ensuring that."

More than 70 Marion County schools were among the grant recipients. A full list of recipients is available on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's website at in.gov/dhs.

State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis), a member of the House Education Committee, stated that funds can 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.

"No two schools are alike when it comes to security needs," McGuire said. "These grants offer flexibility for administrators to apply for the funding that will help them meet their goals."

State Rep. Mike Speedy (R-Indianapolis) highlighted that Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

"Keeping our schools secure continues to be a priority in Indiana," Speedy said. "It's great to see so many local schools use these grants to establish and update safeguards for young Hoosiers and teachers."

"Every school has their own unique safety needs, and these grants provide a way for them to pay for important security improvements," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "We will continue to support our schools as they work to protect students and staff."

For more information about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and Indiana's efforts in maintaining school safety, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.