Schools and educational institutions across Schuylkill County have been awarded more than $1.5 million in state funding to improve school security and provide behavioral health support for students and staff.
A total of 11 Schuylkill County school districts and educational institutions will receive a combined $1,559,018 through Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Mental Health Grants program.
The funding was announced Friday by state Reps. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) and Dane Watro (R-Luzerne/Schuylkill), along with state Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).
The Schuylkill County recipients are:
| School / Educational Institution | Amount Awarded |
|---|---|
| Blue Mountain School District | $204,984 |
| Gillingham Charter School | $70,000 |
| Mahanoy Area School District | $151,773 |
| Minersville Area School District | $148,329 |
| North Schuylkill School District | $193,211 |
| Pottsville Area School District | $208,325 |
| Saint Clair Area School District | $135,528 |
| Schuylkill Haven Area School District | $149,236 |
| Schuylkill IU 29 | $70,000 |
| Schuylkill Technology Center | $70,000 |
| Shenandoah Valley School District | $157,632 |
| Total | $1,559,018 |
“These grants will help our local schools strengthen security, address behavioral health needs and create safer learning environments for students and staff. Investing in the safety and well-being of our students is an investment in the future of our communities.” Watro said the funding will help school districts address both security and the mental health needs of students.
“Parents send their children to school trusting they will be safe, cared for and given every opportunity to succeed,” Watro said.
“These grants will help our school districts strengthen security and provide support for students facing mental health challenges. This is a meaningful investment in our children, teachers and communities.” Argall also welcomed the funding for area schools. “Every student and educator deserves to feel safe at school,” Argall said. “I am pleased this highly competitive funding was awarded to our local schools.”
For school districts, the grant awards include a base allocation of $100,000, with additional funding calculated using each district’s 2024-25 adjusted average daily membership. Other eligible educational entities receiving grants were awarded $70,000.
The School Safety and Mental Health Grants program is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program provides funding to address school safety and security needs while also supporting the behavioral health and well-being of students and staff. Funding can be used for improvements intended to create safer learning environments and provide students with access to mental health resources.