Kim, Madsen applaud $1.8 million in federal funds to keep schools safe
Rep. Patty Kim March 15, 2024 | 2:17 PM
HARRISBURG, March 15 – Harrisburg School District has received a share of more than $39 million awarded to 36 school entities in 21 counties across Pennsylvania to establish safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments in public elementary and secondary schools and to prevent and respond to acts of bullying, violence and hate in school communities, state Reps. Patty Kim and Dave Madsen announced today.
Kim, D-Dauphin/Cumberland, and Madsen, D-Dauphin, said the district received more than $1.83 million in federal grant money, a sizeable investment that the legislators said would go a long way in helping to improve safety for schools and students in the district.
“Students thrive when they can learn in safe environments, which can be assured through careful allocations and oversight of resources,” Kim said. “This sizeable grant will help Harrisburg students and teachers be safe in a school where they can focus on the mission to teach and learn.”
“This funding fortifies our commitment to safe, supportive learning environments,” Madsen said. “With over $1.8 million dedicated to promoting social, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as addressing issues of bullying and violence, we are empowering educators to cultivate inclusive communities where every child can thrive and succeed.”
The full list of awards can be viewed here.
The funding complements the priorities set by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 budget proposal. The proposal includes a nearly $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding – the largest in Pennsylvania history. The budget also includes $300 million for school environmental repairs, $100 million for mental health support in schools, a $50 million increase for special education funding, a $50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements, and $30 million to build and support the educator workforce.