The Pennsylvania Department of Education announced school safety grants for eight Schuylkill County Schools. These grants are for preventing and reducing violent incidents, purchasing safety and security-related equipment, and providing training and compensation for school resource and police officers.

“Our children are our future and making sure they have a safe environment to learn and grow in is critically important. These grants will go a long way to ensuring these schools will provide just that,” said state Sen. David Argall, R-Schuylkill/Berks.

“Investing in the protection of our children is a high priority for me,” said Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-Berks/Carbon/Schuylkill. “I am pleased that this funding will be put to good use in addressing the unique security needs of each school district.”

Local awardees include:

• Schuylkill Technology Center received $14,621.45 for the purchasing of new safety equipment and the implementation of new safety programs.

• Tamaqua Area School District received $65,000 for the purchasing of new safety equipment and the training and compensation for a school police officer.

• Marian Catholic received $25,000 for the purchasing of new safety equipment.