Area lawmakers have announced grants for area schools to support physical security enhancements and/or mental health initiatives. The PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee administers programs designed to improve school safety and security, strengthen behavioral health supports, and provide training and technical assistance to schools across Pennsylvania. The grants were approved through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee.

Those receiving grants are:

• Carbon County Career & Technical Institute - $70,000.

• Jim Thorpe Area School District - $180,496.

• Lehighton Area School District - $197,983.

• Northampton Area School District – $335,487.

• Northern Lehigh School District – $173,074.

• Northwestern Lehigh School District – $185,547.

• Monroe Career & Technical Institute- $70,000.

• Pleasant Valley School District- $281,920.

• Palmerton Area School District - $176,992.

• Panther Valley School District - $190,682.

• Weatherly Area School District - $126,938.

In announcing the Carbon County grants, Rep. Doyle Heffley said, “I support student safety and security. A school should be a place where students, staff and parents feel safe. This funding goes to support that sentiment by enhancing security and the behavioral health services available to students and staff.”

State Rep. Gary Day, R-Lehigh, on Friday, added, “Students should be able to walk into school each morning knowing the adults around them have the tools needed to keep them safe and help them through difficult times. These grants will allow local school leaders to put resources where they will do the most good, whether that means improving security, expanding mental health support or addressing both priorities.”

State Rep. Jack Rader, R-Monroe, “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our students is a top priority, and these grants will play a crucial role in strengthening the mental health and security resources in our local schools. I’m glad to see this funding coming back to our communities and helping our schools create safer, stronger learning environments.”