May: Local schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2024) – Local schools received more than $255,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford). 

May 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.

"School safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to step up to help schools address their security needs," May said. "It's great to see local schools receive grants and make the security upgrades that are right for them."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Lawrence County Independent School $35,000;
• Mitchell Community Schools $26,433;
• North Lawrence Community Schools $63,585;
• Orleans Community Schools $40,500;
• Paoli Community School Corp. $29,631;
• Springs Valley Community School Corp. $31,608; and
• Springville Community Academy $28,350.

Awarded 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. Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

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. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65,
which includes all of Lawrence County, and portions of Jackson, Orange and Washington counties.

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