STATEHOUSE (Sept. 24, 2025) – Gibson County schools recently received more than $326,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Cindy Ledbetter (Newburgh) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).
Ledbetter 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.
"Schools receiving these grants will use the funds to improve security on their campuses," Ledbetter said. "Fostering a safe learning environment is one step toward creating positive educational outcomes."
Area schools receiving grants include:
Hostettler 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.
"Teachers and students should feel protected at school, which leads to better education outcomes," Hostettler said. "These grants give schools financial backing to upgrade security systems or hire resource officers."
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. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) represents House District 75,
which includes portions of Gibson, Pike and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64,
which includes portions of Gibson, Knox and Vanderburgh counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
