Alle-Kiski Valley school districts get state money for security, reducing violence

School districts in the Alle-Kiski Valley will receive money from a state committee aimed at school safety that ranges from more than $400,000 for the South Butler and Highlands school districts to $30,000 for Riverview.

The School Safety and Security Committee was established under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency in 2018 following a mass school shooting in Parkland, Fla. that left 17 dead.

The money is to be earmarked for programs designed to reduce community violence, health services and intervention strategies, mentoring, law enforcement and security equipment, according to a School Safety and Security Committee news release.

Here’s a look at how much each school district in the Alle-Kiski Valley is set to receive, from most to least (rounded):

• Highlands: $484,000

• South Butler School District: $405,000

• Allegheny Valley School District: $112,000

• Leechburg Area School District: $85,000

• Fox Chapel Area: $45,000

• Franklin Regional: $40,000

• Kiski Area School District: $40,000

• Plum School District: $40,000

• Apollo-Ridge School District: $35,000

• Burrell School: $35,000

• Deer Lakes: $35,000

• Freeport Area: $35,000

• New Kensington-Arnold School District: $35,000

• Riverview: $30,000

The schools were awarded the grants based on submitted proposals for funding. Projects were required to support eligible categories/activities such as school safety assessments, security-related equipment, behavioral-health training and hiring school resource officers, counselors, social workers and psychologists.

In all, there was $53.7 million in related grants awarded to 524 schools and districts across the state.

Another $7.5 million has been granted to community organizations throughout Pennsylvania aimed at curbing violence.

For a full list of grantees, click here.