Northeast Indiana legislators: Local schools awarded state funding for safety improvements

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 25, 2025) – Northeast Indiana schools recently received for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) 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 a safe environment goes beyond physical upgrades like doors, locks or cameras," Smaltz said. "Through these grants, schools can also invest in resource officers, staff training and communication efforts that play an equally important role in protecting Hoosiers and staff."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• DeKalb County Central Unified Schools, $92,500;
• DeKalb County Eastern Community School District, $74,000;
• Garrett-Keyser-Butler Community School Corp., $83,943;
• Lakewood Park Christian School, $60,618;
• Saint Joseph School (Garrett), $12,950;
• Lakeland School Corp., $62,900;
• Prairie Heights Community School Corp., $60,126;
• Westview School Corp., $76,317;
• Central Noble Community School Corp., $60,125;
• East Noble School Corp., $73,297;
• Oak Farm Montessori School, $92,500;
• St. John Lutheran School (Kendallville), $8,713;
• West Noble School Corp., $92,500;
• Fremont Community Schools, $55,500; and
• MSD Steuben County, $55,500.

State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) 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.

"Every school district faces its own safety challenges, and the Secured School Safety Grants address those needs," Abbott said. "It is my hope that this funding will help schools strengthen their safety plans and create a more secure environment for our students and staff."

State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.

"These grants provide schools with additional support to improve security, reduce risks and ensure students can learn in a safe learning space," Isa said. "Protecting our schools today means investing in the success of our future generations."

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. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 18,
which includes portions of Elkhart, Kosciusko, Noble and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Tony Isa (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes all of LaGrange County and a portion of Steuben County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.