ZJackson County schools recently received more than $281,000 for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

State District 62 Rep. Dave Hall, R-Norman, 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.

“Every school community is unique, and so are their safety needs,” Hall said. “These grants offer schools the ability to customize their safety plans, whether that means improving communication systems, hiring resource officers, or upgrading their technology and infrastructure.”

County schools receiving grants are:

Brownstown Central Community School Corp. $81,000;

Crothersville Community Schools $28,350;

Immanuel Lutheran School $22,014;

Medora Community School Corp. $23,754;

Seymour Community Schools $81,000; and

Trinity Lutheran High School $44,916.

State District 69 Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, said 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.

“These grants are a great tool because schools can focus on identifying and addressing their unique security needs,” Lucas said. “Whether it’s hiring a new resource officer or implementing more safety features, I look forward to seeing our local schools, teachers and students benefit.”

State District 65 Rep. Chris May, R-Bedford, said Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.

“School safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to step up to help schools address their security needs,” May said. “It’s great to see local schools receive grants and make the security upgrades that are right for them.”

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.