Lake County legislators: Local schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Lake County schools recently received more than $1.8 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'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.

"Each school has different needs when it comes to school safety," Aylesworth said. "From adding cameras to school resource officers, Secured School Safety Grants are being used to increase security and address unique needs."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• 21st Century Charter School at Gary, $56,700;
• Andrean High School, $60,750;
• Bishop Noll Institute, $33,500;
• Charter School of the Dunes, $48,600;
• Crown Point Christian School, $38,256;
• Crown Point Community School Corp., $63,324;
• East Chicago Lighthouse Charter, $26,973;
• Forest Ridge Academy, Inc., $69,939;
• Gary Community School Corp., $81,000;
• Gary Lighthouse Charter School, $54,027;
• Griffith Public Schools, $81,000;
• Hammond Academy of Science & Tech, $2,000;
• Hanover Community School Corp., $81,000;
• Higher Institute of Arts and Tech, $49,000;
• Highland Christian School, $20,578;
• Illiana Christian High School, $32,400;
• Lake Central School Corp., $81,000;
• Lake Ridge New Tech Schools, $81,000;
• Lake Station Community Schools, $40,500;
• Merrillville Community School Corp., $81,000;
• Northwest Indiana Special Education Cooperative, $50,000;
• River Forest Community School Corp., $44,550;
• School City of Hammond, $81,000;
• School City of Hobart, $81,000;
• School City of Whiting, $32,400;
• School Town of Highland, $40,326;
• School Town of Munster, $81,000;
• Steel City Academy, $70,248;
• Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, $85,295;
• Tri-Creek School Corp., $69,935; and
• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and School, $92,500.

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

"Feeling safe at school is so important for students while they grow and learn," Olthoff said. "With this additional funding, local schools can focus on education knowing that students are safe with new and updated security features such as cameras, resource officers or new technologies."

State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

"Safe schools create an environment where students and staff can keep their attention on what matters – and that's learning," Slager said. "With these grants, we can provide the funds our schools need for resources that will continue to upgrade and improve school safety and security."

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. 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.