Indy Standard

Posey County schools have received over $223,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representative Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville). The funding is part of Indiana's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made substantial investments in school safety. A total of 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties were awarded $24 million in state matching grants.

"As a school administrator myself, I am able to see these upgrades in effect and making a real difference," said McNamara, who authored the law establishing the grants. "These grants allow schools to ensure they can provide a safe learning environment."

Local schools receiving grants include:

- MSD North Posey County Schools: $81,000

- MSD of Mount Vernon: $69,255

- Saint Wendel Catholic School: $38,070

- St. Matthew School: $6,819

- St. Philip Neri Catholic School: $28,350

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.

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