Indy Standard

Local schools have recently received over $450,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) noted that this 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.

"Schools have different security needs depending on many factors," Bartels said. "This funding gives them the boost they need to make upgrades to their security like adding video surveillance or having a resource officer on campus."

The following area schools received grants:

- Community Montessori Inc.: $28,350

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

- East Washington School Corp.: $48,600

- Lanesville Community School Corp.: $40,500

- New Albany Floyd County Schools: $81,000

- North Harrison Community School Corp.: $40,500

- Salem Community Schools: $43,383

- South Harrison Community School Corp.: $40,500

- St. Joseph Catholic School: $6,478

- West Washington School Corp.: $40,500

State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) mentioned 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.

"I'm proud that we're able to direct these grants to our school districts to help keep children and staff safe," Engleman said. "School systems will be able to make physical safety upgrades around their buildings and support their school resource officers."

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) highlighted 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."

"School safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to step up to help schools address their security needs," stated State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). "It's great to see local schools receive grants and make the security upgrades that are right for them."

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