STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2025) – Jasper County schools recently received more than $141,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) 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 need to be equipped to respond quickly in emergency situations and ensure student and staff safety," Aylesworth said. "These grants assist schools with updates on safety technology and systems, threat prevention plans and more."
Area schools receiving grants include Kankakee Valley School Corp. ($92,500) and Rensselaer Central School Corp. ($49,029).
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) 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.
"Students and teachers should feel safe at school," Commons said. "This additional funding helps educators update security measures to ensure they're equipped to keep everyone safe."
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
"School should be a safe place for students and faculty to learn and work," Culp said. "Secured School Safety Grants are a great way for educators to enhance their safety measures, update warning systems and establish plans to keep everyone safe."
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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
