Boone County schools recently received more than $274,000 for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) 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.
“This is a critical program that provides continuous support for schools here and across the state,” Cash said. “By updating our security resources, students and teachers can have a safer, more successful school year.”
Area schools receiving grants include:
Lebanon Community School Corp., $92,500;
Traders Point Christian Academy, $43,166;
Western Boone County Community School District, $46,250; and
Zionsville Community Schools, $92,500.
State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville) 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.
“The funds from this program are a tool for schools to build on their existing security plans,” Smith said. “Each school is unique, so allowing them to make upgrades where they see fit is a great opportunity for them to keep students and staff safer.”
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
“The legislature has long prioritized school safety, with our new two-year state budget increasing funding for this grant program,” said Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Schools know best what their security needs are, and we want to be a partner in ensuring teachers and students can focus on education in a safe environment.”
“Schools need to be safe for students to excel academically,” said State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort). “Secured School Safety Grants help give schools the tools they need to provide security so students can focus on learning.”
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.