(Indianapolis, IN) - LaPorte County schools have received more than $418,000 in state funds for safety upgrades. 

 

State Representative Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie said the funding is part of $27 million in state matching grants awarded this year to nearly 500 schools statewide

 

"These grants provide schools with the additional support needed to ensure safe and secure facilities," Pressel said.

 

Area schools receiving grants include:

• La Lumiere School, $6,290;
• LaPorte Community School Corp., $72,686;
• MSD of New Durham Township, $46,250;
• Marquette Catholic High School, $9,250;
• Michigan City Area Schools, $69,375;
• New Prairie United School Corp., $47,455;
• Notre Dame Catholic School, $32,375;
• Queen Of All Saints School, $27,750;
• Saint John Lutheran School, $32,837;
• South Central Community School Corp, $41,625
• Tri-Township Schools, $32,375.

The money 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.

"Indiana continues to prioritize school safety, partnering with local schools to make sure they are getting the resources they need to keep students safe," said State Representative Jake Teshka of North Liberty.

 

Teshka is a member of the House Education Committee.

 

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