Northhampton News

On May 15, 2024, the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) approved nearly $2 million in competitive school safety and security grants. These funds are intended to enhance safety, security, and mental health supports for students and staff at schools in Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties.

Representative Milou Mackenzie expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating: “I am very happy to learn of the school safety grants that were awarded to the schools in the 131st District. I have long advocated for increased security measures to be installed at our schools to protect students, teachers and staff.”

The grant funding includes awards to various districts across three counties. In Lehigh County, East Penn School District received $247,934; Lehigh Career and Technical Institute received $70,000; Salisbury Township School District received $154,481. In Montgomery County, Souderton Area School District received $479,398; Upper Perkiomen School District received $630,000; Western Montgomery Career and Technical Center received $70,000. Lastly in Northampton County: Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School received $70,000; Career Institute of Technology received $70,000; Saucon Valley School District received $166,092.

In total, the SSSC approved $155 million in federal and state school safety funding. This also included funds awarded to several charter schools, nonpublic schools, and intermediate units residing in or servicing constituents from the 131st District.

These grants align with the SSSC's objective of ensuring all Pennsylvania students can learn in safe and healthy school environments. The funds will assist school entities in addressing basic safety needs and mental health services as identified by the committee’s recently adopted revised baseline criteria standards.