Local legislators: State awards over $602k to increase safety in St. Joseph County schools

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 30, 2022) – Several St. Joseph County schools recently received more than $602,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to local lawmakers.

State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) 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.

"These grants help our schools build on their existing security plans, and protect students and staff," DeVon said. "This issue remains a top priority and we'll continue to look for ways to build on the state's efforts."

Local schools receiving grant funds include:

• Career Academy High School, $26,084;
• Career Academy Middle School, $26,084;
• Covenant Christian School, $3,458;
• Marian High School, $40,000;
• Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp., $99,575;
• Saint Adalbert School, $43,870;
• Saint Joseph High School, $50,000;
• Saint Matthew Cathedral School, $17,145;
• School City of Mishawaka, $100,000;
• South Bend Community School Corp., $19,957;
• South Bend Hebrew Day School, $50,000;
• Success Academy Primary School, $26,084;
• Union-North United School Corp., $49,915; and
• Yeshiva of South Bend, $50,000.

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) 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 that schools have the necessary resources to ensure our children and staff are safe at school, and that's why this grant program is such a great tool," Teshka said. "As corporations take a hard look at their security, emergency alert systems, safety plans and equipment, they can utilize this opportunity to make necessary upgrades where they see fit."

"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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph 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.