STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Jasper County schools recently received more than $122,000 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's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. In all, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million total in state matching grants.
"Educational facilities are all so different when it comes to school safety," Aylesworth said. "From cameras to safety officers, the Secured School Safety Grants can be used to meet the varying needs of our local schools."
Area schools receiving grants include Kankakee Valley School Corp. ($81,000) and Rensselaer Central School Corp. ($41,242).
State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) said 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 and parent support services programs.
"With these grants, Indiana continues to invest in the safety and security of our students," Culp said. "The additional funding helps our local schools get the resources they need, like security officers and cameras."
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
"Many schools do not have the funds or resources to keep up with improvements and new security plans needed to keep our students safe," Negele said. "The Secured School Safety Grants are just one of Indiana's ways of protecting our most vulnerable as they learn and grow."
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.
-30-
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. 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.
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) 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.
