Eight School Districts in the 32nd Senatorial District have been awarded just over $224,000 in state grants to fund programs, security-related equipment and personnel that address school safety and violence through Pennsylvania’s Safe Schools Initiative Targeted Grant program, according to Senator Pat Stefano (R-32).
Stefano said the program is funded by the Department of Education through Pennsylvania’s Safe Schools Initiative Targeted Grant program. Public school entities, nonpublic and private school entities, police agencies and municipalities may apply for funding. Grants may be used for the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers and to fund programs or security-related equipment that address school safety and violence.
The following school districts received Safe Schools Equipment Grants: Funds will be used to assist schools in reducing unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promote a climate of greater productivity, safety and learning.
Westmoreland Intermediate Unit — $19,877.
Intermediate Unit 1, which serves Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties — $20,000.
Uniontown Area School District — $19,825.
Rockwood Area School District — $14,640.
The following schools were awarded Safe Schools School Police/Resource Officer Grants. The grants are for two years and are intended to be used for the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers.
Conemaugh Township School District — $40,000.
Connellsville Area School District– $40,000
Southmoreland School District — $20,000*.
Windber Area School District — $30,000*.
Mount Pleasant Area School District — $20,000*.
*Second Year Allocation
“I am very pleased that many school districts in this area will have some additional help to ensure our teachers and children feel safe in their learning environments,” Stefano said. “Teachers cannot teach and children cannot learn in an environment where they don’t feel safe. The additional resources provided by these grants are crucial to improving school safety.”