STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2024) – Elkhart County schools recently received more than $553,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) 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.
"Indiana continues to step up and partner with local school districts to keep Hoosier students and staff safe while at school," Abbott said. "Adding resource officers, active-event warning systems and updated safety plans in our schools are a worthwhile investment."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) 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 are always looking to update their existing plans for security," King said. "These matching grant dollars will allow them stretch their budgets further to make upgrades and improvements."
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
"It’s important that schools have the resources to make sure students and staff are safe," Miller said. "Schools of all sizes have an excellent opportunity with these matching grants to prioritize security and make upgrades where they see fit."
"We remain focused and committed to improving school safety in communities large and small," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "These funds can be used in many different ways so area schools can build or add to their security plans."
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. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
