Indy Standard

Grant County schools have recently received over $250,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, supported by State Representatives Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) and Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).

Goss-Reaves stated that the funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. A total of 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million in state matching grants.

"As both a legislator and an educator, I fully understand how important a secure learning environment is for students and teachers," Goss-Reaves said. "This year's grants will help our schools implement the specific safety measures they need to create supportive learning spaces."

The area schools receiving grants include:

- Eastbrook Community School Corp.: $30,559

- Lakeview Christian School Inc.: $28,350

- Madison-Grant United School Corp.: $54,791

- Marion Community Schools: $21,361

- Mississinewa Community School Corp.: $67,962

- Oak Hill United School Corp.: $40,500

- Saint Paul Parish School: $7,128

Karickhoff noted 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.

"Students, teachers and staff need to feel safe at school," Karickhoff said. "This funding helps our local schools boost security in a variety of ways including making physical building upgrades, employing a school resource officer or purchasing equipment."

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.