Local lawmakers: State awards over $554,000 to increase safety in Vanderburgh County schools

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 12, 2022) – Vanderburgh County schools recently received more than $554,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to local legislators.

State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) 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 school administrator, I understand how vital it is that schools continue making safety improvements, which come at a cost," McNamara said. "With these grants, corporations large and small can make ongoing security updates based on their unique needs and plans. In Indiana, we will remain diligent in protecting our students and school staff."

Vanderburgh County schools receiving grant funds include:

• Annunciation Catholic School at Christ the King, $35,000;
• Annunciation Catholic at Holy Spirit, $34,969;
• Corpus Christi School, $17,439;
• Evansville Day School, $50,000;
• Evansville Lutheran School, $37,404;
• Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp., $100,000;
• Good Shepherd School, $12,750;
• Holy Redeemer School, $13,500;
• Holy Rosary School, $25,813;
• Mater Dei High School, $84,279;
• Reitz Memorial High School, $50,000;
• Resurrection School, $15,142;
• Signature School Inc., $13,558;
• St. Benedict Cathedral School, $35,000; and
• St. Joseph School, $30,000.

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) 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.

"It's important our schools maintain the safety of students and staff," Hostettler said. "These grants help Hoosier schools pay for needed security, which can include a number of different things, from building updates to hiring trained security officers."

"Each school has their own security needs, and these grants help them cover the costs of implementing safety measures based on their situation," said State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville). "Local schools will put these dollars to good use as they work hard to keep students in Vanderburgh County safe."

In total, the state invested about $133 million in matching grants through the Secured School Fund, established through a 2013 law McNamara 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. 

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State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) represents House District 64,
which includes Gibson County and portions of Knox, Pike, Vanderburgh and Posey counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) represents House District 76, 
which includes portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.