Area schools are receiving funds through the School Safety and Security Committee grants under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The committee approved $47 million in competitive school safety and security grants to improve safety, security, and mental health support for students and staff at schools across the state.

The award, announced in late April, completes the $155 million school safety grants program package appropriated in the bipartisan 2023-24 budget and issued by the SSSC in January 2024.

“As a father, I understand how much Pennsylvania parents care about keeping their kids safe at school and healthy in body and mind,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, chair of PCCD and the SSSC. “Our kids are facing so many pressures, and our schools are dealing with significant challenges.

“The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to making sure our schools have the resources they need to keep their facilities secure from threats and provide the mental health services and support that our kids need.”

Local totals

Times News area schools receiving the following total safety/mental health grant amounts:

Jim Thorpe Area School District: $165,913

Lehighton Area School District: $169,201

Palmerton Area School District: $157,742

Panther Valley School District: $160,370

Weatherly Area School District: $138,064

Carbon Career and Technical Institute: $70,000

Pleasant Valley Area School District: $201,069

Monroe Career and Technical Institute: $70,000

Tamaqua Area School District: $166,956

Northern Lehigh School District: $597,649

Marian Catholic: $66,366

Grant types

The $155 million is broken up over four areas.

“Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants” include $90 million for school districts, charter schools, area career and technical centers, and intermediate units to support school-based mental health and behavioral health supports, including counselors and resources for students.

“Formula-Based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants” include $18.6 million provided to all Pennsylvania school districts for physical security enhancements and/or mental/behavioral health needs.

“Competitive School Safety and Security Grants” include $32.2 million for eligible school entity applicants as well as municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and approved vendors to support physical security improvements, behavioral health resources, and school security personnel needs.

“Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools” include $14.5 million to support programs addressing school violence and improving school safety and security through grants to Intermediate Units and approved vendors on behalf of nonpublic schools.

Setting precedent, all three were indeed clearly established.”