Pittsburgh, Pa. − February 26, 2020 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced major state funding for school and community safety programs in districts throughout the 43rd senatorial district.
“Students cannot focus on learning if they’re worried about their safety, and we are taking a multi-pronged approach at the state level to address physical security and mental health,” said Senator Costa. “I’m glad to see this funding coming to our region, and I’m confident that our school districts will use it for programs best suited to the needs of their students.”
The following districts in the 43rd received grants today:
- $384,810 for Penn Hills School District
- $929,578 for Pittsburgh School District
- $40,000 for West Mifflin Area School District
- $478,287 for Wilkinsburg Borough School District
- $45,000 for Woodland Hills Area School District
- $35,000 for Steel Valley School District
- $30,000 for Riverview School District
Act 44 of 2018 created a School Safety and Security Fund for the purposes of providing funding to school districts for school safety and security concerns and addressing community violence. Today, $60 million was distributed for school safety, including $7.5 million for community anti-violence programs.
PCCD receives hundreds of applications for these awards. Eligible school entities include school districts, intermediate units, area vocational-technical schools, charter schools and private rehabilitative institutions. Act 44 created the School Safety and Security Committee, which reviews the grants.
Funds can be used for a wide variety of items, based on the needs of the entity. These uses can include the purchase of equipment, trainings, programs, counseling services, planning, screenings, and to secure behavioral health care professionals and support.
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