STATEHOUSE (Sept. 30, 2022) – Several Elkhart County schools recently received more than $601,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to local lawmakers.
State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) 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.
"School safety remains an important issue, and we will continue focusing on keeping our students and staff safe," King said. "As a parent and grandparent, I understand how vital it is that we address school safety head on. We cannot be complacent, and this funding will be put to good use in Elkhart County."
Local schools receiving grant funds include:
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) 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.
"School security goes far beyond cameras and making sure doors are locked," Miller said. "These grants can be used a number of different ways so schools can address their specific needs and build on their outlined security efforts."
"Schools continuously evaluate what upgrades and safeguards are needed, and this matching grant opportunity allows them to stretch their dollars further to meet their needs," said State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola). "Indiana continues to step up by partnering with our schools to keep students and school staff safe."
In total, the state invested about $133 million in matching grants through the Secured School Fund, established through a 2013 law Wesco 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. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
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State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
