School safety grants awarded around Montgomery County
Rep. Joseph Ciresi February 26, 2020 | 5:06 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 26 – Montgomery County state representatives today announced school safety and security grants awarded to school districts throughout the county.
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee awarded a total of $53.7 million in school safety grants. Montgomery County awards are as follows:
- Abington School District: $455,550
- Agora Cyber Charter School: $143,226
- Cheltenham Township School District: $45,000
- Colonial School District: $45,000
- Hatboro-Horsham School District: $45,000
- Jenkintown School District: $30,000
- Lower Merion School District: $45,000
- Lower Moreland Township School District: $40,000
- Methacton School District: $221,370
- Norristown Area School District: $467,756
- North Montco Technical Career Center: $150,000
- North Penn School District: $45,000
- Perkiomen Valley School District: $45,000
- Pottsgrove School District: $40,000
- Pottstown School District: $490,000
- Souderton Area School District: $460,437
- Springfield Township School District: $40,000
- Spring-Ford Area School District: $45,000
- Upper Dublin School District: $45,000
- Upper Merion Area School District: $45,000
- Upper Moreland School District: $40,000
- Upper Perkiomen School District: $40,000
- Western Montgomery Career & Technology Center: $72,994
- Wissahickon School District: $45,000
Below are reactions from Democratic state representatives in Montgomery County.
“There are so many aspects to school safety – from having updated security equipment and training to ensuring mental health resources are available. These grants will help ensure our local districts have what they need to keep students and staff safe so they can remain focused on learning,” state Rep. Matt Bradford said.
“This funding is great news for students and staff, and I look forward to continuing to work on ways we can support schools in their efforts to provide students with a quality – and safe – education,” state Rep. Tim Briggs said.
“Today’s grant announcements from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will deliver vital resources to all four school districts in the 146th District for greater protection of students, teachers, and support staff. I will continue to work with Governor Wolf to see that these awards increase in the future,” Rep. Joe Ciresi said.
"Whether for Colonial, Lower Merion, Wissahickon, or any other school district in our state, funding to improve school safety is critical for so many reasons. The best learning occurs in environments that are dependable and secure. And these grants help ensure that will happen,” said Rep. Mary Jo Daley.
“If we want our students to receive a quality education, we need to equip districts with everything they need – and that includes equipment, training and programs to ensure children feel safe and supported in the classroom. This funding is incredibly important to districts, and I’m pleased that our local schools will be able to benefit,” Rep. Steve McCarter said.
"Outstanding news for Abington, Upper Dublin and all of our county's school districts. It goes without saying the safety and security of students, teachers and staff is of utmost importance, and I applaud the funding efforts to improve school safety via new technology and equipment, improved resources and training, and increased access to support services,” Rep. Ben Sanchez said.
“I’m pleased to see these grants awarded to help support safe school environments. Protecting children is one of our greatest responsibilities, and this funding will provide crucial support for our school districts,” state Rep. Joe Webster said.
Additionally, PCCD awarded four Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Grants in Montgomery County, as follows:
- Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County - $300,000 for increasing access to trauma-informed services
- The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth - $205,593 for a community violence reduction training initiative.
- Family Service of Montgomery County - $298,200 for a cross-county youth violence reduction project.
- Norristown - $170,000 for an at-risk youth care coordinator.
More information on the grants, including a full list of recipients, is available online at https://www.pccd.pa.gov/AboutUs/Pages/Press%20Releases/School-Safety-and-Security-Committee-Approves-Over-$60-Million-in-School-Safety-Grants.aspx.