Indy Standard

Newton County schools recently received over $54,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

Aylesworth noted 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.

"Educational facilities are all so different when it comes to school safety," Aylesworth said. "From cameras to safety officers, the Secured School Safety Grants can be used to meet the varying needs of our local schools."

Local recipients include North Newton School Corp., which received $32,828, and South Newton School Corp., which was granted $21,688.

Negele highlighted 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.

"Many schools do not have the funds or resources to keep up with improvements and new security plans needed to keep our students safe," Negele said. "The Secured School Safety Grants are just one of Indiana's ways of protecting our most vulnerable as they learn and grow."

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 ensure school safety, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.

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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11, which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.

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