Indy Standard

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

According to Goss-Reaves, the funding comes from the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which prioritized investments in school safety. Overall, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties benefited from a total of $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," said Goss-Reaves. "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 emphasized that these funds could be used for various safety needs such as resource officers' support, equipment and technology purchases, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs.

"Students, teachers and staff need to feel safe at school," Karickhoff stated. "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."

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 other efforts by Indiana to ensure school safety, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.