HARRISBURG – School safety grants totaling more than $740,000 were awarded today to seven school districts in Blair County, according to Senator Judy Ward (R-30) and Representative Jim Gregory (R-Blair).
School districts that will receive grants include:
- Bellwood-Antis School District.
- Claysburg-Kimmel School District.
- Hollidaysburg Area School District.
- Spring Cove School District.
- Tyrone Area School District.
- Williamsburg Community School District.
Eligible uses for the grants include hiring school security officers, purchasing security-related technology, completing safety and security assessments, implementing violence prevention curricula, offering counseling services for students, and creating other programs to protect students.
The grants were awarded by the School Safety and Security Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) as part of the School Safety and Security Grant Program, which was created by lawmakers in 2018.
“These grants will ensure our young people can go to school each day and find a safe environment for learning and growth,” Ward said. “Investing in the protection of our children is a high priority for me, and I am glad this money will be put to good use in addressing the unique security needs of each school district.”
“As a former school board member, I recognize how important these grants are to protecting our young people and keeping them safe,” Gregory said. “This funding will positively impact the wellbeing of our children.”
A total of approximately $53.7 million was awarded for 524 projects throughout the state in the current round of funding. PCCD received a total of 970 applications totaling $134.5 million for school safety projects in the current Fiscal Year.
In spite of the popularity and importance of the program, Gov. Tom Wolf’s 2020-21 budget proposal would cut $45 million from the program — a 75 percent reduction.
CONTACT: Cheryl Schriner (717) 787-5490
Jennifer Fitch (717) 260-6335