Hamilton County schools are beefing up their security with a cool nearly $1 million in state grants, aimed at making safety upgrades less of a headache for local educators. The financial boost is part of a $27 million bonanza from the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, benefiting a slew of schools across Indiana. According to a recent report by Indiana House Republicans, the program has been dropping serious cash on safety since 2013, totaling more than $214 million in state matching grants.
House Speaker Todd Huston, hailing from Fishers, chimed in on the largesse, acknowledging the state's commitment to creating secure learning spaces. "Indiana has continued to prioritize school safety, adding funding in the state's new two-year budget to help schools make security improvements," Huston said. In a move to streamline and toughen up safety measures, legislators also shuttled the Office of School Safety under the wing of the Department of Homeland Security this year.
The grants, ranging from $15,246 to $92,500, are earmarked for various security needs, including funding for resource officers and juicing up schools with upgraded tech and warning systems. State Rep. Danny Lopez from Carmel noted, "Our goal is to equip our schools with the resources they need to keep students safe." He added that the funding bolsters security plans, and hands parents a little more peace of mind.
Aiming to dish out a personalized security touch, State Rep. Hunter Smith, a House Education Committee member, pointed out, "The funds from this program are a tool for schools to build on their existing security plans." A smorgasbord of local schools hit the jackpot, including Carmel Clay Schools and Fishers Christian Academy, each securing a slice of the funding pie. "Each school is unique, so allowing them to make upgrades where they see fit is a great opportunity for them to keep students and staff safer," Smith said. To dig deeper into what Indiana's doing to keep its schools on the safe side, check out the state's school safety hub.
Meanwhile, mingled with the sense of progress is the unspoken understanding that such measures have now become an essential part of the educational landscape. In a statement obtained by Indiana House Republicans, State Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler from Noblesville reiterated the state’s dedication: “Student and teacher safety is a top priority and Indiana continues to assist schools with the resources they need to update, maintain and improve their security," she said.
