INDIANAPOLIS – A total of over $251,000 was recently distributed to several Bartholomew County schools for safety upgrades through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville) said the funding is part of the state’s biennial budget passed in 2023, which made significant investments in school safety. Overall, 499 schools across Indiana’s 92 counties received $24 million in state matching grants.
“When it comes to our students, safety is our top priority,” Meltzer said. “Thanks to this state matching grant opportunity, local schools can step up their security efforts, and our teachers, staff, and students can keep their focus on education.”
Area schools receiving grants include:
- Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. $81,000
- Columbus Christian School Inc. $22,425
- Flat Rock-Hawcreek School Corp. $45,586
- St. Bartholomew School $26,907
- St. Peter’s Lutheran School $40,459
- White Creek Lutheran School $34,725
State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) 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 parent trusts their child will be safe when they go to school, and through these grants, Indiana and local schools are working together to ensure security is the top priority,” Lauer said.
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.
