Prescott, Rowray: Local schools secure state funding for safety improvements

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2024) – Delaware County schools recently received more than $503,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown).

Rowray 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.

"From the youngest child to the most experienced teacher, school safety impacts everyone," Rowray said. "These grants help prevent safety concerns so kids can focus on learning, friendships and preparing for the future."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Burris Laboratory School, $17,579;
• Cowan Community School Corp., $32,609;
• Daleville Community Schools, $69,375;
• Delaware Community School Corp., $62,900;
• Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities, $32,375;
• Inspire Academy, $13,875;
• Liberty-Perry Community School Corp., $43,243;
• Muncie Community Schools, $92,500;
• Wes-Del Community Schools, $46,250; and
• Yorktown Community Schools, $92,315.

Prescott 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.

"With this funding, schools are able to take proactive measures to protect their students and staff," Prescott said. "Safe schools give students the freedom to focus their attention where it should be – on academics, sports and friendships."

Since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.

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.

-30-

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.

State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) represents House District 35,
which includes portions of Delaware and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.