Indy Standard

Local schools received more than $329,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville).

Patterson 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.

"Each year, Secured School Safety Grant awards underscore our commitment to creating safer learning environments for our students," Patterson said. "I'm eager to see the positive impact of this year’s funding and am excited for the continued progress this program will bring in the future."

Area schools receiving grants include:

- Batesville Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Fayette County School Corp.: $80,709

- Franklin County Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Oldenburg Academy: $20,088

- Saint Gabriel Catholic School: $36,000

- Saint Michael School – Brookville: $15,362

- Union County-College Corner Joint School District: $15,361

Awarded funds can be used for a wide range of 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 has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

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.