Indy Standard

Howard County schools recently received over $341,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program. The funding is supported by State Representatives Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

Karickhoff stated that the 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.

"Students, teachers and staff need to feel safe at school," Karickhoff said. "This funding helps our local schools boost security in a variety of ways including making physical building upgrades, employing a school resource officer or purchasing equipment."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Eastern Howard School Corp.: $50,898

- Kokomo School Corp.: $81,000

- Northwestern School Corp.: $81,000

- Taylor Community School Corp.: $47,790

- Western School Corp.: $80,995

VanNatter noted 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.

"Indiana is dedicated to helping schools continue to stay focused on security and make sure our young Hoosiers and staff are safe," VanNatter said. "With these grants, school corporations large and small can make ongoing security updates based on their unique needs and plans."

Since the program started in 2013, Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants.

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