From Cameras to Counselors: Indiana Boosts Safety Measures in Schools

Putnam County schools in Indiana are receiving more than $271,500 in safety upgrades thanks to the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program, a long-standing initiative backed by State Rep. Beau Baird. The program, which has become one of the nation’s most robust state-level investments in school security, awarded $27 million in matching grants this year across 494 schools statewide.

Baird, who has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting students and teachers, said these dollars will make a tangible difference for local districts. “Ensuring our schools are safe and secure is a critical responsibility,” Baird said. “This funding helps our local districts strengthen safety measures so students can focus on learning and growing.”

In his district, Putnam County schools saw significant allocations: Cloverdale Community Schools received $46,250, Greencastle Community School Corporation was awarded $72,328, North Putnam Community Schools will gain $73,075, and South Putnam Community School Corporation secured $79,920. The money can be used in a wide range of ways, including hiring or supporting school resource officers, installing new security equipment and technology, upgrading active event warning systems, conducting threat assessments, and expanding student-parent support services.

This year, Indiana lawmakers also advanced legislation to enhance school security efforts beyond the grant program. The state approved moving the Office of School Safety to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, centralizing oversight of safety initiatives and giving schools streamlined access to resources and guidance. This policy shift reflects a broader recognition that school safety requires not just funding but coordination across agencies.

The Secured School Safety Grant Program itself has a proven track record. Since its creation in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through matching grants. To date, over $187 million has been awarded through appropriations from the Indiana General Assembly, federal grants, and local matching funds provided by school districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools. These dollars have supported everything from installing new doors, access control systems, and video cameras to employing school resource officers and commissioning threat assessments. More than 4,100 awards have been distributed statewide, underscoring the scale and longevity of the effort.

Baird noted that while the focus is often on physical security—like locked entryways and surveillance systems—the funding also supports services that address the social and emotional needs of students. Programs that strengthen the relationship between schools, parents, and students are just as important in preventing issues before they arise. “We know that school safety is more than just hardening buildings. It’s about making sure kids feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed,” Baird said.

Although the latest funding round has delivered strong support for Putnam County, Baird emphasized that Indiana’s efforts extend across every corner of the state. Lawmakers representing regions from Sullivan and Greene counties to Henry County and beyond have highlighted local awards, pointing to the bipartisan, statewide commitment to safety. For communities across Indiana, the grants are more than just dollars—they represent peace of mind for parents and teachers, and a clearer path for students to thrive.