STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2024) – Local schools recently received more than $450,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) said the funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. In all, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million total in state matching grants.
"Schools have different security needs depending on many factors," Bartels said. "This funding gives them the boost they need to make upgrades to their security like adding video surveillance or having a resource officer on campus."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) said funds can be used for a wide range of safety needs like support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs.
"I'm proud that we're able to direct these grants to our school districts to help keep children and staff safe," Engleman said. "School systems will be able to make physical safety upgrades around their buildings and support their school resource officers."
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
"These grants are a great tool because schools can focus on identifying and addressing their unique security needs," Lucas said. "Whether it's hiring a new resource officer or implementing more safety features, I look forward to seeing our local schools, teachers and students benefit."
"School safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to step up to help schools address their security needs," said State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). "It's great to see local schools receive grants and make the security upgrades that are right for them."
To learn more about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and what Indiana's doing to keep schools safe, visit the state's school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
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State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) represents House District 70,
which includes all of Harrison County, and portions of Clark, Floyd and Washington counties.
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State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69,
which includes portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott and Washington counties.
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State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.
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