STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2025) – Howard County schools recently received more than $376,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).
Karickhoff 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 feel confident that schools are safe spaces for learning," Karickhoff said. "Secured School Safety Grants provide local districts with the resources to enhance security and respond quickly in emergencies."
Area schools receiving grants include:
VanNatter 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 schools added support to tackle their safety needs and concerns," VanNatter said. "I'm confident our local schools will use this funding wisely as they continue their efforts to keep students and educators safe."
Karickhoff said 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. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
