IN Reps. Jordan, Teshka: Local schools awarded state funding for safety improvements

Marshall County schools recently received more than $230,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, which is supported by State Representatives Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty).

Jordan 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. 

"School security is more than just installing cameras and upgrading locks and windows," Jordan said. "It's creating a culture of safety where students and staff feel protected. These grants will help our local schools make safety upgrades to accomplish that goal."
Area schools receiving grants include:

• Argos Community Schools, $43,475;
• Bremen Public Schools, $43,306;
• Culver Community Schools Corp., $63,367;
• Plymouth Community School Corp., $34,225; and
• Triton School Corp., $46,250.

Teshka 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.
"Indiana continues to prioritize school safety, partnering with local schools to make sure they are getting the resources they need to keep students safe," said Teshka, a member of the House Education Committee. "This program is a critical source of funding for schools to bolster security and support their staff, teachers and kids."
Since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
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.