HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro has announced the approval of 208 investments in school infrastructure, amounting to $175 million under the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. This initiative, integral to the 2023-24 bipartisan budget, underscores the commitment to fostering safe, modern, and conducive learning environments for students across Pennsylvania.
This grant program, initiated by Governor Shapiro, allows public school districts and career and technical schools to receive up to $5 million each for essential safety and environmental projects. These investments are pivotal in addressing aging infrastructure, improving environmental conditions, and ensuring that educational facilities meet contemporary standards.
Governor Shapiro highlighted the initiative’s significance, saying, “Our students deserve safe and healthy schools to learn in, and our teachers deserve modern and well-maintained classrooms to teach in. In just two years, we’ve secured $275 million to repair and upgrade our schools.”
A diverse array of projects is set to benefit from this funding, including roof repairs, HVAC system installations, and the abatement of hazardous materials such as lead and asbestos. These enhancements are not merely aesthetic but critical to ensuring the health and safety of students and staff. For instance, the Pittsburgh Area School District in Allegheny County will receive $5 million to install HVAC Digital Control Systems, significantly improving air quality by replacing outdated systems over 30 years old.
Rick Siger, Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development, emphasized the broad impact of these investments: “The investments made today through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program will upgrade school facilities for thousands of students across the Commonwealth and make sure they have environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.”
In addition to the $175 million approved for school facility improvements, Governor Shapiro had previously announced $75 million for environmental repairs in 109 school districts to eliminate lead, mold, and other hazards. This brings the total investment in school improvements to $250 million since the governor took office, further supplemented by an additional $25 million for the Solar for Schools initiative in the 2024-25 budget.
Dr. Khalid Mumin, Pennsylvania’s Education Secretary, stressed the importance of these efforts, stating, “Students in every zip code across the Commonwealth deserve to learn in classrooms that are up-to-date, safe environments. Repairing and replacing old equipment and facilities helps to ensure that we can keep our kids learning in spaces that are safe, healthy, and productive for them.”
These strategic investments reflect a comprehensive approach to educational infrastructure, aiming to provide Pennsylvania’s students with the best possible learning environments. Governor Shapiro’s administration remains committed to continuing these vital improvements, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed in safe and healthy educational settings.
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