St. Joseph County legislators: Local schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 12, 2024) – St. Joseph County schools recently received more than $686,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) 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.

"Every school is unique as they require different security needs for their buildings, staff and students," DeVon said. "These matching grants allow schools to stretch their budgets further and make much-needed upgrades where they see fit."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Bais Yaakov High School of Indiana $7,152;
• Career Academy High School $13,034;
• Career Academy Middle School $13,034;
• Community Baptist Christian School $20,668;
• Marian High School $40,500;      
• Penn-Harris-Madison School Corp. $80,894;
• Saint Adalbert School $40,500;
• Saint Anthony De Padua School $23,641;
• Saint Matthew Cathedral School $20,878;
• Saint Pius X School $15,795;
• Saint Thomas More Academy $81,000;
• School City of Mishawaka $76,950;
• South Bend Community School Corp. $75,910;
• South Bend Hebrew Day School $40,500;
• Success Academy at Boys and Girls Club $17,581;
• Success Academy Primary School $16,292;
• The Portage School of Leaders $21,097;
• Union-North United School Corp. $40,500; and
• Yeshiva of South Bend $40,500.

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) 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.

"As a parent, school safety is always a top priority," Teshka said. "It's great to see so many local schools utilize this funding tool to make upgrades and improvements for the safety of our students and staff.” 

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

"We remain focused and committed to improving school safety in communities large and small," Wesco said. "These funds can be used in many different ways so area schools can build or add to their security plans."

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. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes a portion of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) represents House District 7,
which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.