Indy Standard

Local schools in Indiana have received close to $379,000 for safety improvements through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program. The funding is part of a larger state initiative that has allocated $27 million in matching grants to 494 schools across Indiana this year.

State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) supported the grant program and highlighted recent legislative changes aimed at enhancing school safety. Lawmakers recently approved moving the Office of School Safety under the Department of Homeland Security to centralize safety efforts and provide more resources to schools.

"As a parent, I know how important a child’s safety is, no matter the location," Patterson said. "These grants help ensure that when kids walk through those school doors, they're entering a secure environment where they can focus on learning and growth."

The local schools receiving grants include Batesville Community School Corp. ($92,500), Fayette County School Corp. ($90,890), Franklin County Community School Corp. ($92,500), Oldenburg Academy ($25,900), Saint Michael School – Brookville ($44,955), and Union County-College Corner Joint School District ($32,375).

According to Patterson, the funds can be used for various safety needs such as resource officers, equipment and technology upgrades, active event warning systems, threat assessments, and support service programs for students and parents.

Since its start in 2013, Indiana's Secured School Safety Grant Program has provided over $214 million in state matching grants for school security initiatives.

More information about the grant program and statewide school safety measures can be found at https://www.in.gov/schoolsafety.