State Rep. Jeanne McNeill, D-133rd, has announced Catasauqua Area School District and Salisbury Township School District were awarded school safety and security grants totaling $593,700.

“While I am pleased to see tax dollars returned to our area, it is unfortunate that this program is even needed. But in today’s environment, these are important safeguards that school boards can take for what works best at their schools,” McNeill said.

CASD will receive $443,700 for the costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers, school police officers, certified guidance counselors, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers and school psychologists. STSD will be awarded $150,000 for security planning and purchase of security-related technology.

The funds were provided by the state School Safety and Security Committee, which is under the guidance of Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. McNeill voted to establish the grant program, which is a result of Act 44 of 2018.