Indy Standard

Many Madison County schools recently received more than $471,000 through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to area lawmakers.

State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) stated that the funding is part of the state legislature's significant investments this year in school safety, which totaled $29.8 million in state matching grants across 474 schools in Indiana.

"Every school has its own security plans, and these dollars are flexible enough to help administrators cover costs associated with many of their safety needs," Pierce said. "With these grants, more schools will be able to make much-needed updates and upgrades."

Local schools receiving grants include:

- Alexandria Community School Corp., $90,000;

- Anderson Community School Corp., $100,000;

- Anderson Preparatory Academy, $100,000;

- Elwood Community School Corp., $18,000;

- Frankton-Lapel Community Schools, $65,000;

- Holy Cross School, $48,933; and

- South Madison Community School Corp., $50,000.

"These grants provide our local schools the means to invest in additional security measures and keep the focus on providing a positive learning environment," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "We'll continue to support our schools as they work to protect all Hoosier students and staff."

Funds can be used for a range of safety needs like support for resource officers and law enforcement officers in schools, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs. In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly expanded the list of possible uses for the grants to include help covering the costs of much-needed technology upgrades and better coordination with local government and law enforcement.

"Keeping our students safe has and will continue to be a priority for me," said State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown). "This session, I was eager to support legislation providing funding for these safety grants and expanding what they can be used for."

Hoosier schools have received about $163 million in school safety matching grants since 2014.

"School safety is about more than simply installing a camera or locking a door," said State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield). "As a parent and grandparent, I understand just how vital it is to secure our schools, and these dollars will go a long way to accomplish that goal."

"It's important for our local schools to maintain security for students, teachers, staff, and all who enter our school buildings," said State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion). "These funds will go to good use as administrators work with their teams to keep schools safe."

To learn more about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and what Indiana is doing to keep schools safe visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.