Lehigh Valley school districts awarded $625K in school safety grants

Lehigh Valley, Feb. 27– State Reps. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, Jeanne McNeill, D-Lehigh, and Steve Samuelson, D-Northampton, announced that seven school districts in Northampton and Lehigh counties have received a total of $625,000 in school safety and security grants.

The following school districts were awarded funding:

  • Bethlehem Area School District -- $385,000
  • Catasauqua Area School District -- $35,000
  • Easton Area School District -- $45,000
  • Salisbury Township School District -- $35,000
  • Saucon Valley School District -- $40,000
  • Wilson Area School District -- $40,000
  • Whitehall-Coplay School District -- $45,000

 

“This funding will go far with enhancing anti-violence efforts in schools,” Freeman said.

Lawmakers said the funding will be used to fund a counseling psychologist and for mental health and behavioral services and for other security system programs.

“We can’t take anything for granted anymore in schools as far as safety is concerned so our teachers and students must be prepared,” McNeill said.

Samuelson said the demand for school safety funding is a priority.

“A safe learning environment ensures the overall development of a child,” Samuelson said.

The funds will be provided through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee. This committee is the result of Act 44 of 2018, and is responsible for establishing the standards schools must meet when performing school safety and security assessments.

 

The funds can be used for a variety of programs that address school safety, including risk assessment and violence-prevention efforts, classroom management, conflict resolution or dispute management initiatives, and the installation or purchase of technology related to school and student safety.