STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Jay County schools recently received more than $109,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) and J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
Lehman 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.
"Having our students and staff feel safe while at school is a top priority," Lehman said. "Secured School Safety Grants give administrators the ability to make much-needed security updates like adding school resource officers, and upgrading building security and technology."
Area schools receiving grants included Jay County Christian Academy ($28,304) and Jay School Corp. ($81,000).
Prescott 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.
"Schools across Indiana face their own safety challenges, and this grant program was created with that in mind," Prescott said. "Whether it’s for new technology or additional staff, these funds will make a meaningful impact."
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. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County, and portions of Jay and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
