Indy Standard

Whitley County schools have received over $172,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne).

Abbott noted that this funding is part of the state'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.

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

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Smith-Green Community Schools: $50,625

- Whitko Community School Corp.: $40,500

- Whitley County Consolidated Schools: $81,000

Judy emphasized that the 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.

"Ensuring a school's safety involves more than just physical upgrades to the building itself," Judy said. "Secured School Safety Grants can also be used for school resource officers and other critical support services."

Since its inception in 2013, Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants.

For more information about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and Indiana's efforts to enhance school safety, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.