STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2026) – Hamilton County schools recently received nearly $1 million from Indiana's Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to area legislators.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) said the program, which was established through legislation the General Assembly passed in 2013, provides matching grants to school corporations, accredited non-public schools and charter schools to help pay for critical safety improvements.
"Hoosier families want to know their kids are in the safest possible environment during the school day," Huston said. "These grants help schools accomplish that, providing resources and support to modernize their buildings, hire school resource officers and prioritize student safety."
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) said this year the Indiana Department of Homeland Security provided more than $26 million in grants to nearly 500 schools and corporations.
"Every school has different circumstances, which is why this program gives local leaders the flexibility to invest where their communities need it most," Jeter said. "These grants help schools take meaningful steps to strengthen safety before a crisis ever occurs."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) said the matching grants can be used for a variety of safety measures, including hiring school resource officers, assessing site vulnerabilities, purchasing equipment and technology and implementing bullying prevention.
"A safe school is the foundation for a successful school," said Lopez, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "By helping districts address their individual needs, Indiana is making sure educators can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning."
State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville), a member of the House Education Committee, said with this round of funding Indiana has invested more than $240 million in school safety since the program started.
"School safety is not a one-time conversation," Smith said. "It requires ongoing attention, preparation and investment, and these grants give schools the resources to keep improving their safety plans year after year."
"Parents deserve confidence when they send their children to school each morning," said State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville), who is the wife of an SRO. "Supporting local safety improvements is one of the most important ways we can provide that peace of mind."
In 2025, House Republicans passed legislation moving the Office of School Safety to IDHS, centralizing safety efforts and providing additional support and resources to schools. Visit in.gov/dhs/school-safety to learn more about state efforts to keep schools safe.
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House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents
House District 37, which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
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State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
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State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) represents House District 39,
which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
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State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) represents House District 29,
which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
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State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) represents House District 24,
which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.
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