Indy Standard

Knox County schools have been allocated over $179,800 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program. This initiative is supported by State Representatives Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

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

"Every school faces different challenges when it comes to safety, and these grants recognize those differences," Borders said. "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."

Hostettler noted that the awarded funds can be used for various safety needs including 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.

"Secured School Safety grants are an expenditure in our students, teachers and communities," Hostettler said. "Schools have a variety of different needs and this boost in funding provides them with the opportunity to improve and upgrade their safety systems."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Flaget Elementary School: $60,598

- North Knox School Corp.: $40,500

- Rivet Middle & High School: $20,407

- South Knox School Corp.: $29,160

- Vincennes Community School Corp.: $29,160

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.