$50K in state grants awarded for South Allegheny school safety
Funds come home after gunshot was fired during Aug. 28 football game
Allegheny County Delegation September 9, 2026 | 10:13 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 9 – South Allegheny School District has been awarded two state grants of $25,000 for school safety measures, according to state Reps. Dan Goughnour and John Inglis, and state Sen. Nick Pisciottano, all D-Allegheny.
The district was awarded one grant to purchase two CEIA OPENGATE weapons detection systems, along with two handheld metal detector wands, and a subscription to NetID Anywhere to support the equipment. The other grant was awarded for the purchase of portable ballistic shields for use by school police.
Today’s grant announcement follows an Aug. 28 incident in which a gunshot was fired during a South Allegheny High School football game. A teenager was taken into custody and is being charged as an adult, according to news reports.
South Allegheny Superintendent Dr. David McDonald said the new weapons detections systems are expected to be in place for its home football game on Sept. 18. For this week’s game, South Allegheny will have borrowed detection systems from Hempfield Area School District in place.
McDonald said he’s grateful for the “excellent” relationship district officials have with the three state legislators who represent the district, and the state funding makes him feel better for the safety of the students, community and district staff.
“This will allow us to take what we have in place and make it better,” McDonald said.
South Allegheny School District Chief of Police Adam Alfer said he appreciates having the added tools to help maintain district safety.
“It’s all about the safety of the schools,” Alfer said.
Goughnour, a former McKeesport police officer and school director whose legislative district includes part of South Allegheny School District, said he’s pleased to see state and local officials working together to address school safety.
“Believe me, these funds don’t come home by accident,” Goughnour said. “Every child deserves a safe learning and extracurricular environment, and every community member deserves the same when they come out to support our extracurricular events.”
“Protecting school students, teachers, staff and members of the community is always a top priority when we are advocating to bring state funding to our communities,” said Inglis, whose legislative district also includes part of South Allegheny School District. “I am grateful to work alongside Senator Pisciottano, Representative Goughnour, and local leaders in fighting for every dollar on the table to ensure our schools have the resources needed to keep us all safe.”
“This funding will give South Allegheny School District additional tools to build on security efforts and keep the school community safe,” Pisciottano said. “Friday Night Lights is a tradition and every student should be able to enjoy it while every family should feel that their kids are safe.”