STATEHOUSE (Sept. 15, 2025) – Rush County Schools recently received more than $60,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) and Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville).
Criswell said the funding is part of the state legislature's investment in school safety this year, which totaled $27 million in state matching grants across 494 schools statewide. Lawmakers also advanced legislation this year to move the Office of School Safety to the Department of Homeland Security, centralizing safety efforts and providing additional support and resources to schools.
"These grants give our schools the resources needed to enhance security, prevent threats and focus on education in a safe setting," Criswell said. "Every dollar invested into school safety is an investment in our children’s future."
Patterson said awarded 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-parent support service programs.
"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."
Since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
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. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) represents House District 55, which includes
all of Fayette, Franklin and Union counties, and portions of Decatur, Ripley and Rush counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
