STATEHOUSE (Oct. 30, 2023) – Kankakee Valley School Corp. and Rensselaer Central School Corp. recently received a combined total of more than $160,000 through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to area lawmakers.
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said the funding is part of the state legislature's significant investments this year in school safety, which totaled $29.8 million in state matching grants across 474 schools in Indiana.
"Indiana is dedicated to helping schools continue to stay focused on security," Aylesworth said. "Through the Secured School Safety Grant Program, administrators can make a wide range of updates and improvements, including adding school resource officers, upgrading warning systems and improving coordination with local law enforcement."
Kankakee Valley School Corp. received $100,000 and Rensselaer Central School Corp. received $64,108.
Funds can be used for a range of safety needs like support for resource officers and law enforcement officers in schools, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs. In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly expanded the list of possible uses for the grants to include help covering the costs of much-needed technology upgrades, and to have better coordination with local government and law enforcement.
"School safety is a top priority, and we want schools to have the ability to implement and update their own safety plans," said State Rep. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer). "There's not a one-size-fits all approach, so it's great to know that schools can utilize these state dollars to meet their individual needs. Whether that's through increasing trainings, supporting school resource officers or updating warning systems, there's flexibility for schools."
Hoosier schools have received about $163 million in school safety matching grants since 2014.
"With new equipment and upgraded systems, schools are better equipped to address potential gaps in security and issues that may come up," said State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica). "I'm really encouraged to see so many local schools apply for and receive state funding."
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. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
