Indy Standard

Jackson County schools have recently been awarded more than $281,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program. This initiative is supported by area lawmakers and forms part of the biennial budget passed in 2023, which made substantial investments in school safety.

State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) noted that the funding is designed to address the unique safety needs of each school community. "Every school community is unique, and so are their safety needs," Hall said. "These grants offer schools the ability to customize their safety plans, whether that means improving communication systems, hiring resource officers, or upgrading their technology and infrastructure."

The schools receiving grants include:

- Brownstown Central Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Crothersville Community Schools: $28,350

- Immanuel Lutheran School: $22,014

- Medora Community School Corp.: $23,754

- Seymour Community Schools: $81,000

- Trinity Lutheran High School: $44,916

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) highlighted that the funds could be utilized for various safety measures such as support for resource officers, equipment and technology upgrades, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs. "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."

Since its inception in 2013, Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants. State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) emphasized the state's ongoing commitment to enhancing school security. "School safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to step up to help schools address their security needs," May said. "It's great to see local schools receive grants and make the security upgrades that are right for them."

Further information about the Secured School Safety Grant Program can be found on Indiana's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.