Pottstown Schools Get $1M Grant To Fight Bullying, Violence

POTTSTOWN, PA — Pottstown School District has received a huge boon in the form of a $1 million state grant to help protect students from bullying and violence.

The funding was disbursed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as part of the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act Stronger Connections Grant. Officials say it brings the district additional tools to both prevent and respond to incidents. State Rep. Joe Ciresi called it a "critical investment."

“You can’t succeed in an environment where you don’t feel supported or safe,” Ciresi said. “This funding will help the Pottstown School District ensure that its schools are safe and welcoming so kids can focus their energies on the thing they are supposed to do in school -- learn.”

Specifically, the funding will create and implement programs that promote the social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of students and staff. Programs will also work on improving family and community engagement in the learning process, and promote fair and practices in the classrooms and hallways.

The federal grants are specifically designated for "high need" areas, which must meet one of the listed criteria: a high rate of poverty, a lack of mental health support for students, high rates of violence, or high rates of school exclusion.