Indy Standard

Hancock County schools have recently received over $302,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, as announced by local legislators.

State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) noted that this funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which allocated significant investments towards school safety. A total of 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties were awarded $24 million in state matching grants.

"As a former educator, I know firsthand how important a safe learning environment is for our students," Criswell said. "This funding is crucial for improving school security and ensuring that our schools are places where education and safety go hand in hand."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Eastern Hancock County Community School Corp.: $30,375

- Greenfield-Central Community Schools: $81,000

- Mt. Vernon Community School Corp.: $81,000

- New Palestine Community Schools: $81,000

- Zion Lutheran School: $28,713

State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) highlighted 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.

"Every school has their own unique safety needs, and these grants provide a way for them to pay for important security improvements," Jeter said. "We will continue to support our schools as they work to protect students and staff."

State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) emphasized that Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program began in 2013.

"These grants ensure that schools have the necessary tools and resources to protect their students and staff, creating a safer environment for learning,” Cherry said. "This is another meaningful step forward in protecting our community.”

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.