School districts get funding for security

From staff reports

Area school districts are receiving state funding to assist with security and safety-related expenses.

State representatives R. Lee James and Donna Oberlander said Wednesday the funding was awarded through the State Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s school safety and security committee.

The program was created in 2018.

Franklin, Oil City and Titusville school districts will be awarded $35,000.

Cranberry, Valley Grove, Allegheny-Clarion Valley, Clarion Area, Clarion-Limestone, Keystone, North Clarion, Union and Forest Area school districts will be awarded $30,000.

Redbank Valley School District applied for more funds through a competitive grant program and was selected to receive $247,043.

“This funding will play a critical role in addressing safety concerns so our students are better protected from a whole host of threats during their time at school,” said James. “It will help them better focus on their studies and give their parents greater confidence.”

The schools will use the funds for security planning, the purchase of security-related technology and to defray costs associated with training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers, Oberlander said.

“Each district has its own unique challenges when it comes to providing a safe and secure learning environment, and funding will help offset many of the costs,” Oberlander said.