Brewster: Local School Districts Land State Help with Environmental Hazards

HARRISBURG, Sept. 19, 2024 - Schools in the 45^th Senate District will receive more than $2 million to make improvements to create a healthier education environment, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today.

Brewster, a member of the state's School Safety and Security Commission, said the funds are aimed at environmental repairs, such as lead and asbestos contamination.

"School safety is more than security devices and police presence," Brewster said. "Parents should know that the learning environment is as healthy as it is safe. These grants will help provide that."

The Public School Environmental Repairs Programwas established by Act 33 of 2023 to support public schools with remediating and/or abating environmental hazards in a school building or school buildings.

This includes, but is not limited to, addressing lead in water sources and paint, asbestos, and mold.

"Eliminating contaminants in schools reduces student exposure throughout their childhood," Brewster said. "That leads to better health and better education outcomes."

Districts receiving grants in this round of funding include:

West Jefferson, $337,671
Plum Borough, $1,909,47
Baldwin-Whitehall $113,52