HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) today announced a $1.1 million grant has been awarded to Northern Tioga School District to boost health and safety for its students.

The grant is one of three dozen awarded to schools across the Commonwealth through the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA) and its Stronger Connections Grant Program.

“When our kids feel safe, healthy and supported at school, they can truly focus on learning,” Owlett said. “This grant is a great investment in their future success. I applaud Northern Tioga and all our area school districts for their commitment to the students who will lead our communities and our Commonwealth in the future.”

“Ensuring students and teachers have the resources they need throughout the school day and beyond is a crucial part of their academic success,” Sen. Yaw said. “I am pleased to see this funding awarded to Northern Tioga.”  

The grant will allow the school district to maintain its multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) tutors at the elementary schools. Additionally, the funding will be used to provide tutors to both of the district’s high schools, as well as continue to fund the after-school Community College Initiative (CCI) program and summer school transportation.

“As we prepare for American Rescue Plan (ARP)/Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSR) funding to twilight in the fall of 2024, we have been concerned that we would not be able to fund some of the programming and initiatives that were started through these programs,” Kristopher A. Kaufman, Northern Tioga School District Superintendent, said. “The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and its Stronger Connections grant provides additional support for our students that allows them to focus on their learning, and to find success. Our district is thankful for the opportunities the grant will provide.”

The grant program is geared toward high-need local education agencies to promote the social, emotional, physical, and mental well-being of students and staff; address family and community engagement; and promote equitable and inclusive policies and practices. High-need criteria may include a high rate of poverty, a lack of mental health support available to students, high rates of violence and/or traumatic incidents in the school or community, and high rates of school exclusion.