Starke County legislators: Local schools awarded state funding for safety improvements

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2024) – Starke County schools recently received more than $156,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) and Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie).

Culp 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.

"School should be a safe place for students and faculty to learn and work," Culp said. "Secured School Safety Grants are a great way for educators to enhance their safety measures, update warning systems and establish plans to keep everyone safe."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Knox Community School Corp., $28,201;
• North Judson-San Pierre School Corp., $46,250;
• Oregon-Davis School Corp., $64,750; and
• Saint Peter Lutheran School - North Judson, $17,563.

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.

"These grants provide schools with the additional support needed to ensure safe and secure facilities," Pressel said. "This will help students and teachers focus on learning and parents feel confident in their school's emergency response plans."

Pressel said since the program began in 2014, Indiana has invested more than $187 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. Kendell Culp (R-Rensselaer) represents House District 16,
which includes portions of Jasper, Pulaski, Starke and White counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.