Greene County schools received more than $364,900 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 legislature's investment in school safety this year, totaling $27 million in 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.

"When students and teachers feel safe, our entire school community thrives," Borders said. "These grants give our schools the means to address safety concerns and respond quickly in any situation."

Area schools receiving grants include:

Bloomfield School District, $87,875;
Eastern Greene Schools, $45,787;
Linton-Stockton School Corp., $92,500;
MSD Shakamak Schools, $46,250; and
White River Valley School District, $92,500.

Borders 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.

Since the program was created in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.

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.