Porter County legislators: Local schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Porter County schools recently received more than $603,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) 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.

"Each school has different needs when it comes to school safety," Aylesworth said. "From adding cameras to school resource officers, Secured School Safety Grants are being used to increase security and address unique needs."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Duneland School Corp. $81,000;
• East Porter County School Corp. $81,000;
• Emmanuel Baptist Academy $48,600;
• MSD of Boone Township $40,218;
• Neighbors' New Vistas High School $5,670;
• Portage Township Schools $81,000;
• Porter Township School Corp. $81,000;
• Saint Paul Catholic School $16,463;
• Union Township School Corp. $46,575;
• Valparaiso Community Schools $81,000; and
• Victory Christian Academy $40,500.

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) 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.

"Feeling safe at school is so important for students while they grow and learn," Olthoff said. "With this additional funding, local schools can focus on education knowing that students are safe with new and updated security features such as cameras, resource officers or new technologies."

State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

"Indiana continues to invest in keeping our schools, teachers and students safe," Soliday said. "This additional funding gives our local schools the opportunity to expand or update their safety plans to better protect students and maintain safe learning environments."

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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.