Lake County legislators: Local schools awarded state funding for safety improvements

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2025) – Lake County schools recently received more than $2.1 million 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:

• 21st Century Charter School at Gary, $46,250;
• Andrean High School, $74,000;
• Aspire Charter Academy, $38,067;
• Bishop Noll Institute, $41,120;
• Charter School of the Dunes, $60,125;
• Crown Point Christian School, $48,274;
• Crown Point Community School Corp., $80,097;
• Forest Ridge Academy, Inc., $92,013;
• Gary Community School Corp., $92,500;
• Gary Lighthouse Charter School, $92,500;
• Griffith Public Schools, $92,500;
• Hammond Academy of Science & Tech, $23,125;
• Hanover Community School Corp., $92,500;
• Higher Institute of Arts and Tech, $67,987;
• Highland Christian School, $77,366;
• Illiana Christian High School, $46,250;
• Lake Central School Corp., $92,500;
• Lake Ridge New Tech Schools, $92,500;
• Lake Station Community Schools, $46,250;
• Merrillville Community School Corp., $92,500;
• Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative, $19,530;
• Our Lady of Grace School (Highland), $9,305;
• River Forest Community School Corp., $75,279;
• Saint Casimir School, $32,375;
• Saint John the Evangelist Church and School, $37,000;
• Saint Mary Catholic Community School, $66,761;
• School City of Hammond, $92,500;
• School City of Hobart, $92,500;
• School City of Whiting, $29,970;
• School Town of Highland, $48,589;
• School Town of Munster, $92,500;
• St. Stanislaus School, $18,500;
• Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, $78,897; and
• Tri-Creek School Corp., $92,500.

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) 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.

"When students come to school, their main focus should be on learning, friendships and athletics," Olthoff said. "These grants give school districts the ability to make security updates to prevent threats and keep students and teachers safe."

State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.

"Secured School Safety Grants give schools the flexibility to make security improvements to protect their students," Slager said. "This gives parents, teachers and students the peace of mind they need to focus on academics."

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. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.