Indy Standard

Parke and Vermillion County schools have been awarded over $214,000 through Indiana's Secured School Safety Grant Program. State Representative Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) highlighted that this funding is part of a statewide effort, with the legislature allocating $27 million in matching grants to 494 schools across Indiana.

Lawmakers also recently approved legislation to move the Office of School Safety under the Department of Homeland Security. This shift aims to centralize school safety efforts and offer more resources and support for schools.

"A secure learning environment is critical to student success," Yocum said. "These grants give schools the ability to help ensure student safety and focus on what matters most – educating our kids."

The local grant recipients include North Central Parke Community School Corp., receiving $55,500; North Vermillion Community School Corp., with $52,725; Southwest Parke Community School Corp., allocated $44,574; and South Vermillion Community School Corp., which will get $61,975.

Yocum noted that these funds can be used for various safety needs such as resource officers, equipment and technology upgrades, active event warning systems, threat assessments, and student-parent support service programs.

Since its inception in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million into school safety through state matching grants. Additional information about the Secured School Safety Grant Program is available at https://www.in.gov/schoolsafety.