Indy Standard

Kosciusko County recently received over $287,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Craig Snow (R-Warsaw).

Abbott stated that the 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.

"Indiana continues to step up and partner with local school districts to keep Hoosier students and staff safe while at school," Abbott said. "Adding resource officers, active-event warning systems and updated safety plans in our schools are a worthwhile investment."

Area schools receiving grants include:

- Lakeland Christian Academy: $73,899

- Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.: $70,875

- Warsaw Community Schools: $81,000

- Wawasee Community School Corp.: $61,689

Snow 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.

"This grant program is such a great tool for schools as it gives them the needed flexibility and funding resources to make necessary upgrades," Snow said. "I look forward to seeing improvements in our local schools as we all work together to keep our Hoosier students and staff safe."

Abbott noted that Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

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.