Indy Standard

Boone County schools have received over $267,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by local legislators.

State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) highlighted that this funding is part of the biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. A total of 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties benefited from $24 million in state matching grants.

"Safety concerns in schools are always shifting, but these grants give our school administrators the flexibility and means to enact quality safety plans for students and staff," Cash said. "As a mother and member of the community, this issue remains a top priority, and we'll continue to look for ways to build on the state's efforts."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Lebanon Community School Corp.: $81,100

- Traders Point Christian Academy: $64,800

- Western Boone Community Schools: $40,500

- Zionsville Community Schools: $81,000

State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) emphasized 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.

"Schools need to be able to implement and update their own safety plans," Schaibley said. "There's not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this funding helps schools be better equipped to address potential gaps in security and issues that may come up."

State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) noted that Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program began in 2013.

"Students and staff need to feel safe in order to have an effective learning environment," Thompson said. "As demonstrated by this year's list of grant recipients, many schools across the state are using this program to enact measures and install technology to keep their buildings and campuses secure."

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.

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State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,

which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24,

which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.

Click here to download a high-resolution photo.