Indy Standard

Jennings County School Corp. has been awarded $81,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) and Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville).

Zimmerman noted that the funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made substantial investments in school safety. In total, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million in state matching grants.

"These grants are not only a great investment in student safety, but they also allow for each school to focus on the areas they need to improve," Zimmerman said. "Now, schools all across Indiana will be able to move forward on much-needed security upgrades."

Meltzer stated that funds can be utilized for various safety needs including support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs.

"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."

Meltzer added that Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program's inception in 2013.

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.