STATEHOUSE (Sept. 27, 2022) – Several Bartholomew County schools recently received more than $182,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to State Reps. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) and Jim Lucas (R-Seymour).
Lauer said the local funding is part of this year's record-breaking school safety investments totaling more than $22.9 million in matching state grants for 425 schools across Indiana.
"As a parent, I want all children to be safe inside the classroom and schools to have the resources they need," Lauer said. "This state matching grant program is critical for schools because it allows them to update and build on their existing safety plans."
Local schools receiving grant funds include:
Lucas said funds can be used for resource officers and law enforcement officers in schools, equipment and technology, active event warning systems, firearms training for teachers and staff who choose to allow guns on school property, threat assessments, and to implement a student and parent support services program.
"Securing a school is about so much more than just locking doors," Lucas said. "Alarms, on-site resource officers, volunteer firearms training and other measures play a substantial role in keeping our children safe. These grants help Hoosier schools ensure they have safeguards in place in order to protect our most vulnerable."
In total, the state invested about $133 million in matching grants through the Secured School Fund, established through a 2013 law Lucas supported. To learn more about Secured Schools Safety Grants and to sign up to receive updates about grants available through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, visit in.gov/dhs.
-30-
State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) represents House District 69, which includes
portions of Bartholomew, Jackson, Jennings and Jefferson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) represents House District 59,
which includes portions of Bartholomew County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
