STATEHOUSE (Sept. 15, 2025) – Henry County schools recently received more than $247,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) 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.
"Students, teachers and parents should be confident their school is a safe place to learn," Barrett said. "These grants give our local districts the tools they need to update security and respond quickly in an emergency to keep our students safe."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) 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.
"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."
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
"With this funding, schools are able to take proactive measures to protect their students and staff," Prescott said. "Safe schools give students the freedom to focus their attention where it should be – on academics, sports and friendships."
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. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes Wayne County and portions of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
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. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
