STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2024) – Monroe County schools recently received more than $313,600 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) 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.
"These grants are a critical investment in the safety of our students and teachers," Heaton said. "By providing schools with the means to enhance their safety measures, we're helping ensure that learning environments remain secure and focused on education."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) 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.
"Every school community is unique, and so are their safety needs," Hall said. "These grants offer schools the ability to customize their safety plans, whether that means improving communication systems, hiring resource officers, or upgrading their technology and infrastructure."
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
"Supporting school safety means giving schools the resources they need to prepare for and respond to potential threats," Mayfield said. "These grants help schools implement the most effective safety measures, from new technology to additional training for staff and resource officers."
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. Dave Hall (R-Norman) represents House District 62,
which includes all of Brown County, and portions of Monroe and Jackson counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes all of Owen County, and portions of Clay, Monroe and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
