Coal Region News

More than $4.2 million has been allocated to schools in Schuylkill County through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant program, according to Reps. JoAnne Stehr, Tim Twardzik, Dane Watro, Jamie Barton, and Sen. Dave Argall.

"The safety and well-being of our students are top priorities, and these grants will allow our schools to make much-needed improvements," Stehr stated. "This investment ensures that our children have a safe and secure environment where they can learn and thrive."

Nine school districts in Schuylkill County received funding:

- Blue Mountain School District was awarded $1,075,000 for window replacement, roof repair, and other safety upgrades at Blue Mountain High School.

- Mahanoy Area School District received $600,000 for HVAC system improvements at Mahanoy Area Elementary School.

- Pine Grove Area School District was granted $250,000 for HVAC system enhancements at Pine Grove Area High School.

- Pottsville Area School District obtained $110,000 to enhance safety and security across several educational centers.

- Saint Clair Area School District was allocated $110,000 for HVAC system upgrades at Saint Clair Area Elementary/Middle School.

- Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School received $476,805 for roof replacements and cellular coverage enhancements at the South Campus.

- Schuylkill Haven Area School District was given $350,000 for HVAC improvements at Schuylkill Haven Area Middle School.

- Shenandoah Valley School District secured $800,000 for HVAC system upgrades and energy-saving lighting installation at its K-12 facility.

- Tamaqua Area School District was provided with $450,000 to replace the roof at Tamaqua Area High School.

"As the chair of the Senate Education Committee," Argall remarked. "I understand how serious the need is for better school buildings. Outdated school facilities can put student safety in jeopardy and this highly competitive funding is much needed."

The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program aims to support public school districts and area career technical schools with facility improvement projects as established by Act 34 of 2023 (P.L. 251, No. 34). The Local Share Accounts were created by Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming (Act 71 of 2004), utilizing state gaming funds to back public interest projects within Pennsylvania.