STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2024) – Boone County schools recently received more than $267,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) 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.
"Safety concerns in schools are always shifting, but these grants give our school administrators the flexibility and means to enact quality safety plans for students and staff," Cash said. "As a mother and member of the community, this issue remains a top priority, and we'll continue to look for ways to build on the state's efforts."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) 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.
"Schools need to be able to implement and update their own safety plans," Schaibley said. "There's not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this funding helps schools be better equipped to address potential gaps in security and issues that may come up."
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
"Students and staff need to feel safe in order to have an effective learning environment," Thompson said. "As demonstrated by this year's list of grant recipients, many schools across the state are using this program to enact measures and install technology to keep their buildings and campuses secure."
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. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) represents House District 25,
which includes portions of Boone and Hendricks counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24,
which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
