Indy Standard

Daviess County schools have received over $124,400 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper).

Borders noted that the funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which 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."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Barr-Reeve Community Schools Inc.: $12,150

- North Daviess Community Schools: $17,010

- Washington Catholic School: $14,254

- Washington Community Schools: $81,000

Lindauer mentioned that the awarded 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. Since its inception in 2013, Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants.

"Our children's safety is of the utmost importance to me and those in the community," Lindauer said. "Secured School Safety Grants allow school districts across the state to make the needed upgrades to keep providing a safe learning environment for our kids."

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