STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2025) – Hendricks County schools recently received more than $656,000 for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.
State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) 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.
“Educators, students and their families need assurance that their schools are safe for an effective learning space,” Steuerwald said. “This funding has helped schools throughout the state update their security measures and prepare for a variety of potential emergencies.”
Area schools receiving grants include:
- Avon Community School Corp., $92,500;
- Bethesda Christian School, $55,331;
- Brownsburg Community School Corp., $92,500;
- Danville Community School Corp., $92,500;
- Mill Creek Community School Corp., $92,500;
- North West Hendricks Schools, $92,500;
- Our Shepherd Lutheran School, $46,250; and
- Plainfield Community School Corp., $92,500.
State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) 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.
“The legislature has long prioritized school safety, with our new two-year state budget increasing funding for this grant program,” said Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Schools know best what their security needs are, and we want to be a partner in ensuring teachers and students can focus on education in a safe environment.”
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.
“This is a critical program that provides continuous support for schools here and across the state,” Cash said. “By updating our security resources, students and teachers can have a safer, more successful school year.”
“We want our children to be safe at school,” said State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville), who serves on the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. “This funding support gives our districts the tools and training they need to create secure environments for students to learn, engage with peers and become productive members of society.”
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.
