Shenango Valley News

HARRISBURG - Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) has announced today that the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) has approved over $1.6 million in grants to enhance safety and security measures for students and staff in schools across the 7th Legislative District.

Expressing his commitment to student safety, Wentling stated, "As both a parent and a former teacher, I understand the need for students to feel safe in order to reach their potential." He added, "By bringing this funding back to Mercer County schools, the districts can enhance their security through alarms, safety officers and more to make sure our kids’ learning environments are as safe and secure as possible."

The grants totaling $1.6 million were allocated to various schools in the district, with specific amounts awarded to each institution. For instance, Reynolds School District received $447,131, while other schools such as Hermitage School District, Sharon City School District, and Sharpsville Area School District also received significant grants.

The funding, distributed through four different grants, includes Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants, Formula-Based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants, Competitive School Safety and Security Grants, and Targeted School Safety Grants for Nonpublic Schools.

This initiative aims to bolster safety measures in schools and create a conducive environment for learning. The grants will enable schools to implement security enhancements that prioritize the well-being of students and staff.

For further information, contact Representative Parke Wentling at RepWentling.com or reach out to Media Contact: Jake Gillespie at 717-772-9834 or JGillespie@pahousegop.com.