Two Chesco school districts to receive state grants

CHESTER COUNTY

Two school districts

to receive state grants

The Avon Grove and Great Valley school districts will each receive a grant of $25,000 to help reduce or prevent school violence, the maximum amount awarded through the state's Safe Schools Targeted Grants.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education awarded a total of $2.6 million to 110 grantees. The grants are meant to improve school safety through measures such as providing training in conflict resolution, violence prevention, and classroom management and strengthening the partnership among schools, parents, local governments, and law enforcement.

"These funds will provide resources to increase school safety by giving teachers the tools they need to address risks," said State Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D., Chester), "and by teaching students proven techniques for conflict resolution."

Margie Sharp, an assistant superintendent at Avon Grove, said the district would use the money for updated materials and training for its bullying-prevention program at its elementary and intermediate schools.

Superintendent Alan Lonoconus of Great Valley said he was pleasantly surprised his nonurban district was awarded a grant.

- Michaelle Bond