The Schuylkill Haven Area School District and the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Mar Lin, have each been awarded a Safe Schools Targeted Grant from the state.
The purpose of the grant is to assist schools by providing funds to promote and support programs that aim to prevent and reduce violence.
Schuylkill Haven was awarded $6,405 and IU 29 received $2,000. They were among 37 schools that were awarded money and the only two awarded in the county.
Schools were eligible to receive up to $15,000 for the effort.
According to information on the state Department of Education's website, www.portal.state.pa.us, the grants can be used for the following purposes: conflict resolution or dispute management, positive behavior support, classroom management, violence prevention and anti-bullying, de-escalation and behavior interventions, and comprehensive, district-wide school safety.
"These grants will provide precautions for our local districts to make our schools in Schuylkill County safer. In light of the devastating tragedy in Newtown, Conn., last week, this grant program is more important now than ever," state Sen. David Argall, R-29, said in a press release. On Friday, 20 students and six adults were shot and killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, agreed.
"In light of recent events in Connecticut, we're encouraging schools to take every measure possible to ensure the safety of our children," Tobash said.
Intermediate Unit board member and Blue Mountain school board President Mary Jo Moss didn't not know about the grant until contacted.
"It's great news," she said.
Schuylkill Haven Area Superintendent Lorraine Felker and Diane Niederriter, IU 29 executive director, did not return phone calls for comment.