Indy Standard

Hamilton County schools have recently received over $644,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by local legislators.

House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) 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 received $24 million in state matching grants.

"The safety of our students and staff is top priority," Huston said. "It's great to see so many Hamilton County schools continue building on and improving security for our students and staff."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Carmel Clay Schools: $78,535

- Fishers Christian Academy: $12,273

- Hamilton Heights School Corp.: $40,500

- Hamilton Southeastern Schools: $81,000

- Indiana Academy: $6,652

- Legacy Christian School: $5,943

- Midwest Academy: $28,350

- Noblesville Schools: $81,000

- Options Schools, Inc.: $81,000

- Our Lady of Grace School: $28,350

- Our Lady of Mount Carmel School: $8,100

- Saint Maria Goretti School: $26,730

- Sheridan Community Schools: $81,000

- University High School of Indiana: $4,050

- Westfield Washington Schools: $81,000

State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) mentioned that the funds could 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.

"Every school has their own unique safety needs," Jeter said. "These grants provide a way for them to pay for important security improvements. We will continue to support our schools as they work to protect students and staff."

State Rep. Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) highlighted that Indiana has allocated a total of $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program began in 2013.

"Indiana continues to help schools stay focused on security and provide safe learning environments," Goodrich said. "Our local schools will put these dollars to good use as they work hard to keep students in Hamilton County safe."

State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) emphasized the need for tailored safety plans.

"Schools need to be able to implement and update their own safety plans," Schaibley said. "There's not a one-size-fits-all approach; this funding helps schools be better equipped to address potential gaps in security and issues that may come up."

State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel) added that the program allows flexibility in addressing various safety measures.

"Through this program," Torr said. "Our schools can use funds toward a number of important safety measures... Whether it's hiring school resource officers or upgrading warning systems or improving coordination with local law enforcement."

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.