STATEHOUSE (Sept. 12, 2024) – Marion County schools recently received more than $3 million for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), chair of the House Education Committee, said the funding is part of the state's biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. In all, 499 schools across Indiana's 92 counties received $24 million total in state matching grants.
"In order to have a good learning environment, students, teachers and families need to be confident that our classrooms are safe," Behning said. "Providing funding for schools to build and improve their security measures is a major component to ensuring that."
More than 70 Marion County schools received grants. A full list of recipients is available on the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's website at in.gov/dhs.
State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis), a member of the House Education Committee, said funds can be used for a wide range of safety needs like support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active-event warning systems, threat assessments, and student and parent support services programs.
"No two schools are alike when it comes to security needs," McGuire said. "These grants offer flexibility for administrators to apply for the funding that will help them meet their goals."
State Rep. Mike Speedy (R-Indianapolis) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
"Keeping our schools secure continues to be a priority in Indiana," Speedy said. "It's great to see so many local schools use these grants to establish and update safeguards for young Hoosiers and teachers."
"Every school has their own unique safety needs, and these grants provide a way for them to pay for important security improvements," said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). "We will continue to support our schools as they work to protect students and staff."
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. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 91,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 93,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Mike Speedy (R-Indianapolis) represents House District 90,
which includes a portion of Marion County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
