BRADFORD – A dozen area school districts serving students in the 67th Legislative District each were awarded grants of $25,000 under the state’s new School Safety and Security Grant program, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) announced Tuesday.
“The Legislature created the grant program as part of this year’s state budget because we want our children to be safe and to feel secure when they are at school,” Causer said. “And by using a block grant approach, school officials have flexibility to use the funds to address their unique security needs.”
Each of the following school districts received $25,000 grants: Austin Area, Bradford Area,
Cameron County, Coudersport Area, Galeton Area, Kane Area, Keystone Central, Northern Potter, Oswayo Valley, Otto-Eldred, Port Allegany and Smethport Area.
The grants may be used to hire school police officers, school resource officers, counselors and/or mental health counselors; implement alternative education and diversion programs, as well as violence prevention initiatives; develop school safety and emergency preparedness plans; or make physical upgrades to school buildings and equipment to improve safety.