Friel congratulates Chesco school districts for critical safety & mental health grants

Rep. Paul Friel    April 26, 2024

POTTSTOWN, April 26 – State Rep. Paul Friel, D-Chester, today lauded state grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to support programs that will reduce violence and boost mental health support across Chester County schools.

“Investments in school security upgrades are an important component of protecting our students and teachers in the face of modern security challenges,” Friel said. “By prioritizing these investments with our votes in Harrisburg, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering environments where students can learn and thrive. This specific funding will help schools strengthen both their physical infrastructure and programs that support student and faculty well-being.”

The following school districts in the 26th Legislative District received grants:

Formula-Based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants, provided to all Pennsylvania school districts for physical security enhancements and/or mental and behavioral health needs:

  • Owen J. Roberts SD: $45,000
  • Phoenixville Area SD: $45,000
  • Spring-Ford Area SD: $45,000
  • Twin Valley SD: $40,000

Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants, to help fund school-based mental health and behavioral health supports, including counselors and resources for students:

  • Owen J. Roberts SD: $167,471
  • Phoenixville Area SD: $153,893
  • Spring-Ford Area SD: $197,295
  • Twin Valley SD: $139,686

Funds will advance the PCCD School Safety and Security Committee’s goal of ensuring that all Pennsylvania students can learn in safe, healthy school environments by helping school entities address basic safety needs and mental health services identified in the committee’s recently adopted Revised Baseline Criteria Standards.

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