Indy Standard

Johnson County schools have received over $397,300 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by local legislators. This funding is part of Indiana's biennial budget passed in 2023, which allocated significant investments in school safety. In total, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties were awarded $24 million in state matching grants.

State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland), vice chair of the House Education Committee, emphasized the importance of these grants. "The Secured School Safety Grant is a tremendous resource for Indiana schools, providing funding to enhance security for staff and students alike," Davis said. "With these grants, schools can address their own safety needs, from upgrading technology to employing school resource officers. As a member of the House Education Committee, I'm excited to see a record number of schools receive awards."

State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) highlighted the comprehensive approach required for effective school safety. "Effective school safety requires a combination of strong policies, well-trained personnel and the right technology," Haggard stated. "This funding gives schools the flexibility to address their specific safety challenges and ensure students and staff are protected."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Center Grove Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Central Nine Career Center: $29,160

- Clark-Pleasant Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Franklin Community School Corp.: $81,000

- Greenwood Christian Academy: $32,928

- Greenwood Community School Corp.: $63,007

- Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson United: $19,440

- Our Lady of the Greenwood School: $9,836

State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) noted that these funds could be used for various safety needs such as support for resource officers, equipment and technology upgrades, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs. "Supporting school safety means giving schools the resources they need to prepare for and respond to potential threats," Mayfield said. "These grants help schools implement the most effective safety measures, from new technology to additional training for staff and resource officers."

State Rep. Robb Greene (R-Shelbyville) mentioned that since its inception in 2013, Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants. "One of the great things about these grants is they provide schools with a lot of flexibility," Greene said. "By utilizing this program, schools can look at their own security plans and use the money for areas that will best protect students and staff."

For more information on 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.