Bizzarro announces more than $450K headed to local schools

State funds awarded to improve safety, mental health services

ERIE, April 26 – In an effort to increase safety and provide the mental health services needed in our local schools, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced the approval of grants totaling $455,891 in his district today.

“One of the foundations of a great education is a safe learning environment, so I’m pleased to see that our high-performing local schools will receive the funding they need to keep our schools and children safe,” Bizzarro said. “The funds approved today also include money that has been earmarked to address mental health and behavioral health needs, providing the dollars needed to develop the resources and hire the counselors that our students need.”

Pennsylvania announced a total of $47 million statewide in school safety grants this week, approved by the School Safety and Security Committee under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The grants awarded in Bizzarro’s district include:

  • Millcreek Township School District, $223,251 – including $178,251 for mental and behavioral health resources.
  • Fairview School District, $157,640 – including $122,640 for mental and behavioral health resources.
  • Cathedral Preparatory School (Erie Prep includes students from legislative districts for Reps. Bizzarro, Harkins and Merski), $75,000.

A statewide list of the school safety grants approved for public schools can be found here, and a statewide list for nonpublic school safety awards can be found here.

Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to allocate state money to properly fund Erie schools, workforce development, nonprofits, first responders, public works, utilities and local businesses in his district and Erie County. His team has helped secure more than $2.2 million in 2024.

During the 2023-24 legislative session, Bizzarro has helped secure more than $59.3 million in funding for Erie County projects, including more than $32.1 million in grants and more than $27.2 million in low-interest loans to help preserve clean water and upgrade local sewer systems.