Reps. Jordan, Teshka: Local schools receive state funding boost for safety upgrades

Monday, September 16, 2024 at 12:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

Marshall County schools recently received more than $216,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Representatives Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty).

Jordan 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.

"There are many layers to school security and each facility can present its own challenges," Jordan said. "These state matching grant dollars help schools support a wide range of safety upgrades to meet their needs and it's great to see schools in our area take advantage of this opportunity.”

Area schools receiving grants include:
Argos Community Schools $28,952;
Bremen Public Schools $30,916;
Culver Community Schools Corp. $75,330;
Plymouth Community School Corp. $40,500; and
Triton School Corp. $40,500.

Teshka 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.

"As a parent, school safety is always a top priority," Teshka said. "It's great to see so many local schools utilize this funding tool to make upgrades and improvements for the safety of our students and staff.”

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