County Legislators Stand Up For School Safety

Hamilton County schools recently received more than $644,000 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’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.

“The safety of our students and staff is top priority,” Huston said. “It’s great to see so many Hamilton County schools continue building on and improving security for our students and staff.”

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Carmel Clay Schools $78,535;
• Fishers Christian Academy $12,273;
• Hamilton Heights School Corp. $40,500;
• Hamilton Southeastern Schools $81,000;
• Indiana Academy $6,652;
• Legacy Christian School $5,943;
• Midwest Academy $28,350;
• Noblesville Schools $81,000;
• Options Schools, Inc. $81,000;
• Our Lady of Grace School $28,350;
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel School $8,100;
• Saint Maria Goretti School $26,730;
• Sheridan Community Schools $81,000;
• University High School of Indiana $4,050; and
• Westfield Washington Schools $81,000.

State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) 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.

“Every school has their own unique safety needs, and these grants provide a way for them to pay for important security improvements,” Jeter said. “We will continue to support our schools as they work to protect students and staff.”

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

“Indiana continues to help schools stay focused on security and provide safe learning environments,” Goodrich said. “Our local schools will put these dollars to good use as they work hard to keep students in Hamilton County safe.”

“Schools need to be able to implement and update their own safety plans,” said State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel). “There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach, and this funding helps schools be better equipped to address potential gaps in security and issues that may come up.”

“Through this program, our schools can use funds toward a number of important safety measures,” said State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel). “Whether it’s hiring school resource officers, upgrading warning systems or improving coordination with local law enforcement, these dollars give administrators and school officials the flexibility to make a wide range of updates and improvements.”

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.