Indy Standard

Lake County schools have received over $2.1 million in state funding for safety improvements through Indiana’s Secured School Safety Grant Program. The program, supported by local legislators, is part of a broader statewide initiative that distributed $27 million in matching grants to 494 schools this year.

State Representative Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) highlighted the importance of the investment, noting that the legislature also advanced measures to centralize school safety efforts under the Department of Homeland Security. “Schools need to be equipped to respond quickly in emergency situations and ensure student and staff safety,” Aylesworth said. “These grants assist schools with updates on safety technology and systems, threat prevention plans and more.”

The funds will support various projects across Lake County schools, including upgrades to security systems, technology enhancements, and development of threat prevention strategies. Some recipients include Crown Point Community School Corp., Gary Community School Corp., Merrillville Community School Corp., Lake Central School Corp., and several charter and private institutions.

Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) explained that the grants are intended for a wide range of uses such as resource officer support, new equipment and technology, active event warning systems, threat assessments, and programs offering support services for students and parents. “When students come to school, their main focus should be on learning, friendships and athletics,” Olthoff said. “These grants give school districts the ability to make security updates to prevent threats and keep students and teachers safe.”

Since its inception in 2013, Indiana’s Secured School Safety Grant Program has provided more than $214 million for school security improvements across the state. State Representative Hal Slager (R-Schererville) emphasized the program’s impact: “Secured School Safety Grants give schools the flexibility to make security improvements to protect their students,” Slager said. “This gives parents, teachers and students the peace of mind they need to focus on academics.”

Further information about Indiana’s school safety initiatives can be found at https://www.in.gov/schoolsafety.