STATEHOUSE (Sept. 23, 2025) – Hamilton County schools recently received nearly $1 million for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) 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.
"Indiana has continued to prioritize school safety, adding funding in the state's new two-year budget to help schools make security improvements," Huston said. "I'm grateful to our Hamilton County schools for pursuing these projects and helping to ensure the safest possible learning environment for our kids."
State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) 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.
"Our goal is to equip our schools with the resources they need to keep students safe," Lopez said. "This funding helps strengthen safety plans and gives families confidence in their local schools."
Area schools receiving grants include:
"Our community has always prioritized the wellbeing of students," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "These grants are one more way we can give educators the tools they need to maintain safe schools."
State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
“Student and teacher safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to assist schools with the resources they need to update, maintain and improve their security," Shonkwiler said. "This funding can supply new warning systems, hire more officers and provide other essential tools schools need to ensure safety."
"The funds from this program are a tool for schools to build on their existing security plans," said State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville), a member of the House Education Committee. "Each school is unique, so allowing them to make upgrades where they see fit is a great opportunity for them to keep students and staff safer."
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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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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