Matzie: More than $1 million secured for Beaver County school safety resources

Additional funding of more than $240,000 for Beaver County nonpublic schools

Rep. Robert Matzie    November 27, 2024 | 1:44 PM

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 27 – New safety resources and mental health supports are coming to public schools in the 16th Legislative District thanks to new grants totaling nearly $1.1 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.

“A safe place to learn is the foundation for every other educational resource we provide our students,” Matzie said. “But creating a secure learning environment isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition, and our school administrators are continually assessing safety needs and updating plans. The new funding, which comes from the FY 2024-25 budget, will ensure that the schools in our district are able to meet those evolving needs.”

Matzie said the following funding was awarded to District 16 public schools for safety resources and student mental health programs:

  • Aliquippa SD – $122,772
  • Ambridge Area SD – $147,195
  • Baden Academy CS – $70,000
  • Beaver County CTC – $70,000
  • Beaver Valley IU 27 – $70,000
  • Central Valley SD – $141,117
  • Freedom Area SD – $123,809
  • Hopewell Area SD – $139,024
  • Provident Charter School West – $70,000
  • Rochester Area SD – $114,790

In addition to the public school funding, Matzie said the following grants were awarded for Beaver County nonpublic school safety resources:

  • $75,000 to the New Sewickley Township Police Department for security resource services to Freedom Area SD.
  • $70,000 to McGuire Memorial, which operates a school.
  • $63,715 to Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School.
  • $33,000 to Beaver County Christian School – Upper.

The awards are part of the $120 million FY 2024-25 budget package signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro supporting improved safety and security and mental health supports for students and staff in Pennsylvania’s public and private K-12 schools. A complete list of funding is available on PCCD’s website here: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/schoolsafety/Pages/default.aspx.