Harrisburg – May 7, 2019 – Sen. Katie Muth (D-Berks, Chester, Montgomery) said today that she was pleased that several local school districts have been awarded grants to implement school safety programs and initiatives.

“Improving school safety must be a priority at the state and local level,” said Muth. “I am happy to see local school districts are being aided in their efforts to keep our students safe in school buildings.”

The funding is provided through the Safety and Security Grant Program, which was created under Act 44 of 2018.

Local schools set to receive funding include:

  • Norristown Area School District – $1,512,000 for security planning, purchase of school safety related technology, and implementation of trauma-informed education;
  • Pottsgrove School District – $51,000 for security and safety assessments, security planning, and student misconduct management;
  • Spring-Ford School District – $386,192 for security and safety assessments, violence prevention education and programs, emergency preparedness programs, and additional training for school staff;
  • Chester County Intermediate Unit 24 – $110,430 for security planning and purchase of school safety related technology;
  • Coatesville School District – $138,000 for security planning and purchase of school safety related technology; and
  • Phoenixville Area School District – $194,480 for security planning and purchase of school safety related technology.

The senator said that state assistance is imperative to help Pennsylvania schools implement the most up-to-date security and safety measures.

“The grants support a variety of ways that our schools can better educate and protect students,” Muth said. “While it is important to implement structural and technological safety improvements, I am encouraged to see schools also working to educate students and staff on how to appropriately assess and address violence.”

Act 44 was established to assist school districts with school safety and security concerns and to address community violence issues.

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