$425,000 state grant awarded to strengthen safety at Overbrook School for the Blind

HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas announced a $425,219 school safety grant for Overbrook School for the Blind. 

“This funding reflects my commitment to ensure all children have access to a safe learning environment,” said Cephas, D-Phila. “Overbrook School for the Blind plays a critical role in offering young people in our community who are blind, visually impaired or living with multiple, complex disabilities a quality education. These resources are meant to provide the tools necessary to strengthen security measures that help best protect some of our most vulnerable students in the commonwealth.” 

Cephas said Wednesday the school will use the state funds to:

  • Upgrade protective lighting.
  • Increase video surveillance.
  • Install emergency call boxes in the parking lot and bordering 64th Street.
  • Develop an all-hazard plan to improve emergency response capabilities.
  • Strengthen ability to swiftly evacuate non-ambulatory students. 

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency receives hundreds of applications for the School Safety and Security grant program. The School Safety and Security Committee approved 524 grants Wednesday.