Indy Standard

Bartholomew County schools have received over $251,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, with support from local legislators.

State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) noted that this 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.

"When it comes to our students, safety is our top priority," Meltzer said. "Thanks to this state matching grant opportunity, local schools can step up their security efforts, and our teachers, staff and students can keep their focus on education."

The schools receiving grants include:

- Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.: $81,000

- Columbus Christian School Inc.: $22,425

- Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp.: $45,586

- St. Bartholomew School: $26,907

- St. Peter's Lutheran School: $40,459

- White Creek Lutheran School: $34,725

State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) stated that the funds could 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.

"Every parent trusts their child will be safe when they go to school, and through these grants, Indiana and local schools are working together to ensure security is the top priority," Lauer said. "I look forward to seeing how different schools utilize this funding to benefit our students and staff."

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) mentioned that Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

"These grants are a great tool because schools can focus on identifying and addressing their unique security needs," Lucas said. "Whether it's hiring a new resource officer or implementing more safety features, I look forward to seeing our local schools, teachers and students benefit."

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.