Bernstine Secures Funding to Strengthen School Safety

August 14, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today announced eight school districts in the 8th Legislative District will be receiving nearly $1.9 million combined in School Safety and Mental Health Grants through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) School Safety and Security Committee.

The funding will help local school districts strengthen physical security, address safety concerns, and provide behavioral health support for students and staff.

“Our schools need the resources to address safety and security challenges while also supporting the mental health and well-being of their students and staff,” said Bernstine. “These grants give our local schools the resources they need to strengthen security and address the behavioral health needs of students and staff. This is an investment in both physical safety and student well-being .

The 8th District school districts receiving funding are:

  • Butler Area School District - $355,725.
  • Ellwood City Area School District - $169,186.
  • Knoch School District - $183,640.
  • Mars Area School District - $250,000.
  • Mohawk Area School District - $162,577.
  • Moniteau School District - $147,091.
  • Seneca Valley School District - $406,328.
  • Slippery Rock Area School District - $179,864.

The funding is administered through PCCD’s School Safety and Security Committee, which oversees programs designed to improve school safety and security, strengthen behavioral health supports, and provide training and technical assistance to schools across Pennsylvania.



Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com