Reps. Bradford and Scott announce $1.8 million awarded to Norristown School District

NORRISTOWN, March 15 – State Reps. Matt Bradford and Greg Scott today announced that Norristown Area School District was awarded $1.8 million to support the district’s efforts to create a safe and healthy learning environment for students.

This funding, part of $39 million that was awarded to 36 school entities across Pennsylvania, was awarded through the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act  Stronger Connections Grant. Norristown Area School District can use the funding to promote the social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of students and staff; address family and community engagement; and promote equitable and inclusive policies and practices.

“Students deserve to learn and grow in a school setting that is safe, supportive and inclusive,” said Bradford. “This funding will give Norristown Area School District added resources to ensure that students can focus on learning and teachers and staff can focus on educating and fostering a positive learning environment. I’m grateful to the Biden administration for this federal support and to the Shapiro administration for distributing this important funding.”

“Creating safe, healthy environments for kids is key to their success, both academically and personally. This funding will enable us to implement crucial measures that will ensure our children can thrive in an environment free from harm or danger. Our commitment to their safety is unwavering, and this allocation is a significant step forward in fulfilling that promise,” said Scott.

The full list of awards can be viewed here.

The funding complements the priorities set by Gov. Josh Shapiro in his 2024-25 budget proposal. The proposal includes a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding, the largest in Pennsylvania history. The budget also includes $300 million for school environmental repairs, $100 million for mental health support, $50 million for special education funding, $50 million for safety and security improvements, and $30 million for building and supporting the educator workforce.