GREENWOOD, Ind. – Today the City of Greenwood announced plans to direct $1 million of federal funds to the city’s three public school districts to enhance security efforts. Mayor Mark W. Myers introduced the ordinance (ORDINANCE NO. 22-35 ) to the Greenwood Common Council at Monday’s meeting.
“There is nothing more important that we can do as a community than protect our young people,” said Mayor Myers. “After the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas I gathered my team to see how we could support our schools to an even greater extent. This is just one way we can help secure our schools. We will always look for opportunities to increase and support public safety in schools and across our community.”
The funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will be equally divided among the Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation, Center Grove Community School Corporation and Greenwood Community Schools. Each district can be reimbursed for up to $333,000 in security hard costs for items like cameras, system upgrades and physical security structures.
“Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation is thankful to Mayor Myers and the Greenwood Council for their commitment to keeping our schools and students safe,” said Patrick A. Spray, Ph.D., Superintendent of Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation. “With this funding, we are exploring options including purchasing a communications console for our school police department, increasing all communication systems within the district and installing additional security cameras and safety sensors.”
“This funding will enhance our current safety efforts throughout our district and helps us move forward in big ways with providing additional school safety,” said Terry Terhune, Superintendent of Greenwood Community Schools. “Our daily goal is to make sure staff, students and parents feel safe in our schools, and we thank the City of Greenwood for investing in safety efforts for various school districts.”
“The safety of our students, staff, and school campuses is a top priority for Center Grove every day. We have been working diligently with our School Board to add needed safety measures and mental health resources using funds as they become available through our budget process, grant opportunities, and partnerships with area agencies,” said Rich Arkanoff, Ed.D., Superintendent of Center Grove Community School Corporation. “While we have made some progress, safety is not a box that can be checked off of our list. We will continue to work on both proactive and reactive ways to improve the well-being and security in our district.”
The Council unanimously approved the measure at its First Reading and will take it up for a public hearing and final approval on October 17, after which the reimbursable grants will be immediately available to the schools.
