STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2025) – Montgomery County schools recently received more than $135,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) said the funding is part of the state legislature's investment in school safety this year, which totaled $27 million in state matching grants across 494 schools statewide. Lawmakers also advanced legislation this year to move the Office of School Safety to the Department of Homeland Security, centralizing safety efforts and providing additional support and resources to schools.
"Ensuring our schools are safe and secure is a critical responsibility," Baird said. "This funding helps our local districts strengthen safety measures so students can focus on learning and growing."
Area schools receiving grants include:
State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) said 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-parent support service programs.
"Students and teachers should feel safe at school," Commons said. "This additional funding helps educators update security measures to ensure they're equipped to keep everyone safe."
State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
"Schools need to be safe for students to excel academically," said State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort). "Secured School Safety Grants help give schools the tools they need to provide security so students can focus on learning."
"The legislature has long prioritized school safety, with our new two-year state budget increasing funding for this grant program, " said State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Schools know best what their security needs are, and we want to be a partner in ensuring teachers and students can focus on education in a safe environment."
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. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44,
which includes all of Putnam County and a portion of Montgomery County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) represents House District 41,
which includes portions of Boone, Clinton, Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
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State Rep. Matt Commons (R-Williamsport) represents House District 13,
which includes all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of
Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) represents House District 28,
which includes portions of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties.
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