Putnam County schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

Monday, September 9, 2024 at 9:19 AM

By Staff report

Putnam County schools received more than $272,300 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program.

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) 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.

"School safety remains a top priority, and this funding will go a long way in helping local schools step up security in a variety of ways," Baird said. "These grants provide vital support, from funding resource officers to upgrading technology, giving schools the flexibility they need to address their unique needs."

Area schools receiving grants include:

Cloverdale Community Schools $40,500;

Greencastle Community School Corp. $80,868;

North Putnam Community Schools $81,000; and

South Putnam Community School Corp. $69,984.

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 and parent support services programs.

Indiana has allocated $187 million for school safety matching grants since the program started in 2013.