Central Bucks Today

On May 16, 2024, Rep. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks) announced that several school districts in the 143rd District have been awarded grant money from the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC). The funds are intended to enhance safety measures, security, and mental health support in schools.

Labs emphasized her commitment to school safety since her tenure in Harrisburg began. "As a mother of two young children, I know how important it is to feel that your children are safe and happy in school," she said. "This grant money will help districts in the 143rd achieve that goal and make school life better for both students and parents."

The SSSC approved $155 million in federal and state funding for school safety under various solicitations for the FY 2023-24 budget. These include:

- Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants: A $90 million program for schools to support mental health and behavioral health services, including counselors and student resources.

- Formula-Based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants: An $18.6 million program provided to all Pennsylvania school districts for physical security enhancements or mental/behavioral health needs.

- Competitive School Safety and Security Grants: A $32.2 million program for eligible entities such as municipalities, law enforcement agencies, approved vendors, and schools to improve physical security, behavioral health resources, and meet personnel needs.

- Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools: A $14.5 million program aimed at addressing school violence and improving safety through grants to Intermediate Units (IUs) on behalf of nonpublic schools.

Several districts received funding under these programs:

- Middle Bucks Institute of Technology received $70,000 from the Mental Health Grants.

- Upper Bucks CTC was granted $70,000 from the Mental Health Grants.

- Central Bucks School District received a total of $358,207; with $45,000 from the Safety and Security Meritorious Grants and $313,207 from the Mental Health Grants.

- Palisades School District was awarded $152,970; with $35,000 from the Safety and Security Meritorious Grants and $117,970 from the Mental Health Grants.

- Pennridge School District received a total of $677,192; with $45,000 from the Safety and Security Meritorious Grants; $182,192 from the Mental Health Grants; and $450,000 from the Competitive School Safety and Security Grants.

- North Penn School District received a total of $305,659; with $45,000 from the Safety and Security Meritorious Grants and $260,659 from the Mental Health Grants.