Grants For Safe Schools Headed To West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester Area School District is among awardees of state Safe Schools grants announced this week who received multiple grants.

WCASD will receive $24,606 for equipment, $20,000 for programs, $60,000 for a school resource officer.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education awards the competitive grants to prevent and reduce violent incidents, to purchase safety and security-related equipment and to provide for training and compensation of school resource and police officers.

More than $9 million in state Safe Schools grants, with a total of $129,543 headed to schools in the 156th Legislative District.

Both public and private schools were eligible for the funds. Saints Peter and Paul School of West Chester also will receive a grant of $24,937 for equipment.

Receiving equipment grants are Owen J. Roberts School District, receiving $21,960 and Great Valley School District, receiving $25,000, and Downingtown Area School District, receiving $25,000.

"I am so pleased to see these safety grants awarded to our local schools," state Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-156th). "Students, teachers and staff should not be preoccupied with safety concerns. They have enough on their plates as they learn, grow and develop together. They need our support to create a safe and healthy environment for all to thrive."

"Although the learning environment has shifted for students, educators, and families, the importance of maintaining safe school communities has not changed," said Acting Education Secretary Noe Ortega. "The Safe Schools Targeted Grant program provides schools with resources to create, support, and enhance programs that address the current needs of school communities, such as creating trauma-informed practices and developing equity and inclusion methods."

PDE's Office for Safe Schools offers four types of safety grants: equipment grants of up to $25,000; program grants of up to $20,000; School Police Officer (SPO) grants of up to $40,000; and School Resource Officer (SRO) grants of up to $60,000. Each of the grants aims to assist schools in:

• Reducing unnecessary student disciplinary actions and promoting an environment of greater productivity, safety, and learning; and
• Enhancing anti-violence efforts between schools and parents, local governments, law enforcement and community organizations.

For the full list of 2020-21 awards by school district, visit here.