Legislators Talk Safety Funding
Hamilton County schools recently received nearly $1 million for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) 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.
“Indiana has continued to prioritize school safety, adding funding in the state’s new two-year budget to help schools make security improvements,” Huston said. “I’m grateful to our Hamilton County schools for pursuing these projects and helping to ensure the safest possible learning environment for our kids.”
State Rep. Danny Lopez (R-Carmel) 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.
Area schools receiving grants include:
- Carmel Clay Schools, $91,566;
- Fishers Christian Academy, $32,375;
- Guerin Catholic High School, $18,652;
- Hamilton Community Schools, $92,500;
- Hamilton Heights School Corp., $46,250;
- Hamilton Southeastern Schools, $92,500;
- Midwest Academy, $41,625;
- Noblesville Schools, $92,500;
- Options Schools, Inc., $92,500;
- Our Lady of Grace School (Noblesville), $32,375;
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, $15,262;
- Saint Maria Goretti School, $28,526;
- Sheridan Community Schools, $92,500;
- St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School, $32,375;
- University High School of Indiana, $15,246; and
- Westfield Washington Schools, $92,500.
“Our community has always prioritized the wellbeing of students,” said State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers). “These grants are one more way we can give educators the tools they need to maintain safe schools.”
State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-Noblesville) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
“The funds from this program are a tool for schools to build on their existing security plans,” said State Rep. Hunter Smith (R-Zionsville), a member of the House Education Committee.
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.
Huston represents House District 37, which includes a portion of Hamilton County. Jeter represents House District 88, which includes portions of Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Marion counties. Lopez represents House District 39, which includes a portion of Hamilton County. Shonkwiler represents House District 29, which includes a portion of Hamilton County. And Smith represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.