STATEHOUSE (Sept. 12, 2025) – Parke and Vermillion County schools received more than $214,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton).
Yocum said the funding is part of the state legislature's investment in school safety this year, totaling $27 million in 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.
"A secure learning environment is critical to student success," Yocum said. "These grants give schools the ability to help ensure student safety and focus on what matters most – educating our kids."
Area schools receiving grants include:
Yocum 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.
Since the program was created 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.
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State Rep. Tim Yocum (R-Clinton) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
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