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

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 22, 2025) – LaPorte County schools recently received more than $418,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty).

Pressel 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.

"These grants provide schools with the additional support needed to ensure safe and secure facilities," Pressel said. "This will help students and teachers focus on learning and parents feel confident in their school's emergency response plans."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• La Lumiere School, $6,290;
• LaPorte Community School Corp., $72,686;
• MSD of New Durham Township, $46,250;
• Marquette Catholic High School, $9,250;
• Michigan City Area Schools, $69,375;
• New Prairie United School Corp., $47,455;
• Notre Dame Catholic School, $32,375;
• Queen Of All Saints School, $27,750;
• Saint John Lutheran School, $32,837;
• South Central Community School Corp., $41,625; and
• Tri-Township Schools, $32,375.

Teshka 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.

"Indiana continues to prioritize school safety, partnering with local schools to make sure they are getting the resources they need to keep students safe," said Teshka, a member of the House Education Committee. "This program is a critical source of funding for schools to bolster security and support their staff, teachers and kids."

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. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.