Schools across Johnson County recently received more than $397,300 for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, who is vice chair of the House Education Committee, said the funding is part of the state’s biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. Seven local school districts and Central Nine Career Center received grants from the program. Across Indiana, 499 schools received a total of $24 million in state matching grants for the 2024 cycle.
“The Secured School Safety Grant is a tremendous resource for Indiana schools, providing funding to enhance security for staff and students alike,” Davis said in a joint statement from local lawmakers. “With these grants, schools can address their own safety needs, from upgrading technology to employing school resource officers. As a member of the House Education Committee, I’m excited to see a record number of schools receive awards.”
Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.
“Effective school safety requires a combination of strong policies, well-trained personnel and the right technology,” State Rep. Craig Haggard, R-Mooresville, said in the statement. “This funding gives schools the flexibility to address their specific safety challenges and ensure students and staff are protected.”
Local schools received the following amounts:
- Center Grove Community School Corp. $81,000
- Central Nine Career Center $29,160
- Clark-Pleasant Community School Corp. $81,000
- Franklin Community School Corp. $81,000
- Greenwood Christian Academy $32,928
- Greenwood Community School Corp. $63,007
- Nineveh-Hensley-Jackson United $19,440
- Our Lady of the Greenwood School $9,836.
The 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. Schools match the amount the state provides to fully fund the price of each project.
“Supporting school safety means giving schools the resources they need to prepare for and respond to potential threats,” State Rep. Peggy Mayfield, R-Martinsville, said in the statement. “These grants help schools implement the most effective safety measures, from new technology to additional training for staff and resource officers.”
Schools applied for funding that will provide the boost they need to make local students safer.
“One of the great things about these grants is they provide schools with a lot of flexibility,” State Rep. Robb Greene, R-Shelbyville, said in the statement. “By utilizing this program, schools can look at their own security plans and use the money for areas that will best protect students and staff.”
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.
