Greene County schools received more than $330,300 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville).

Borders 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.

"Every school faces different challenges when it comes to safety, and these grants recognize those differences," Borders said. "Whether it's enhancing communication systems or having a resource officer on campus, this funding helps schools tailor their safety measures to their specific needs."

Area schools receiving grants include:

• Bloomfield School District $59,049;

• Eastern Greene Schools $68,850;

• Linton-Stockton School Corp. $81,000;

• MSD Shakamak Schools $40,500; and

• White River Valley School District $81,000.

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.

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.