Brewster’s School Safety Efforts Reflected in 2022-23 Budget

Brewster’s School Safety Efforts Reflected in 2022-23 Budget

McKeesport, July 21,2022 – State Sen. Jim Brewster’s efforts to protect Pennsylvania schools have paid off with a $200 million increase in funds for safety and security and mental health in the 2022-23 PA State Budget.

“This new School Code contains a historic financial commitment to school safety as well as focused regulation to make sure every school achieves baseline requirements,” Brewster said.

Since its 2018 creation, Brewster has been a member of Pennsylvania’s School Safety and Security Committee facilitated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and an advocate for hardening schools while at the same time addressing core causes by making mental health assessment more prevalent and counseling more available.

In 2019 Brewster sent a letter to the committee asking it to establish baseline standards of safety for every school in the Commonwealth. Specifically, he encouraged the committee members to establish physical baselines, including items such as door locks and cameras; mental health baselines, including school counselors and psychologists; and environmental baselines, including air quality monitors as well as lead and mold abatement.

The latest School Code changes the requirement for active shooter training from every 5 years to yearly training, an important piece of school safety.

“Everyone in the building should be trained on how to protect themselves in the event of an active shooter,” Brewster said. “This updated requirement in the School Code is a necessary improvement to keep our schools safe.”

After years of partnership and hard work by the School Safety and Security Committee, the PCCD, the General Assembly, and the Governor, the recently passed state budget contains historic new investments of $100 million for school safety infrastructure and another $100 million for school mental health grants.

The money, Brewster said, is only part of the progress. Pennsylvania’s School Code now requires the schools to conduct surveys to see if standards for mental health services are being evaluated and baselines are being met. This survey must be completed by August 31.

Just as important, the new School Code provides incentives for training new school mental health counselors through a School-Based Mental Health Internship Grant Program through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The program is intended to encourage careers as school counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers.

PHEAA will be required to keep track of grant applicants and awardees to assess the effort of bringing more mental health professionals to careers in schools.

Brewster Reappointed to School Safety Committee

Brewster Reappointed to School Safety Committee

Harrisburg, July 11, 2022 – With a record state investment in violence prevention spending in the new budget, state Sen. Jim Brewster announced today that he has been re-appointed to the School Safety and Security Committee, the chief conduit for intervention programs in the state.

“We’re at a critical time for public safety after a surge in violence that accompanied the pandemic,” Brewster said. “The School Safety and Security Committee played a central role in reviewing and assessing intervention and prevention efforts and steering state funds where it can be most effective.”

The 17-member committee was created through Act 44 of 2018 with a goal to craft policies and provide grants to curb school and community violence. The committee works under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).

In July 2019 Senator Brewster sent a letter to the committee asking them to establish baseline standards of safety for every school in the Commonwealth to keep students, teachers, and administrators safe. Specifically, he asked for them to establish physical baselines, including items such as door locks and cameras; mental health baselines, including school counselors and psychologists; and environmental baselines, including air quality monitors and lead/mold abatement.

“During my time on the School Safety Committee, I have been advocating for establishing baseline criteria to ensure we are best utilizing money,” Brewster said. “I am thrilled to see that for the first time the funds will be prioritized to get all schools to baseline.”

Last year, the state committed a record $30 million to the school safety effort, and this year’s state budget more than triples that amount to $105 million with the help of America Rescue Plan funds.

“To reduce community violence, we need to address the core causes,” Brewster said. “Poverty, mental health, and addiction are serious drivers of crime in our communities, and this committee is investing additional funds to address these issues.”

In awarding grants last year, Brewster said the committee took a broad approach to what it perceived as a complex issue with a wide range of causes. The committee funded the efforts of large academic institutions that study the problem from a data-driven level, as well as small, grassroots efforts with budgets in the thousands and feet on the street.

As a senator, Brewster has been at the forefront on school safety issues. His appointment was made by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa.

Brewster: $1.7 Million in School Safety Grants Approved for Local Districts

Brewster: $1.7 Million in School Safety Grants Approved for Local Districts

Harrisburg – February 26, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said that $1.7 million in state school safety grants will soon be distributed to local schools.

Brewster, who represents portions of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties, serves as a member of the School Safety and Security Committee. He has been the General Assembly’s foremost advocate for addressing school safety issues. The funds were approved by the committee at its meeting today.

“These grants are critical tools that can be used to protect students, teachers, administrators and visitors to school facilities,” Brewster said. “As a member of the committee that approves these grants, I am keenly aware of the needs of area schools and committed to helping improve security.”

Brewster said that he would continue to work to adjust competitive grant criteria so that more school districts can access maximum funding. 

The following school districts in Brewster’s area will receive competitive and meritorious school grants:

Allegheny County:

  • Baldwin-Whitehall School District                                              $45,000
  • Brentwood School District                                                            $35,000
  • Clairton School District                                                                  $30,000
  • Duquesne School District                                                              $30,000
  • East Allegheny School District                                                     $481,508
  • Elizabeth Forward School District                                              $40,000
  • Gateway School District                                                                $40,000
  • McKeesport Area School District                                                $45,000
  • Plum Borough School District                                                     $40,000
  • South Allegheny School District                                                  $455,000
  • West Allegheny School District                                                   $40,000
  • West Mifflin Area School District                                               $40,000

Westmoreland County:

  • Burrell School District                                                                   $35,000
  • Kiski Area School District                                                             $40,000
  • New Kensington-Arnold School District                                   $35,000
  • Penn-Trafford School District                                                     $45,000
  • Westmoreland IU7                                                                         $239,000

Brewster has been a strong and vocal advocate of improving security at school facilities. He has sponsored a package of bills to enhance safety in schools. The legislation includes: the development of a school safety commission, requiring school safety upgrades to be part of approved school construction and rehabilitation projects, and armed guards in school building. 

In addition, last August the school safety committee approved Brewster’s request to create a subcommittee to explore the development of baseline safety and security standards that could be universally applied to all school districts. 

“We must keep providing grant funds to pay for safety upgrades to schools,” Brewster said. “Our children deserve a safe and secure environment that is conducive to education.”

The School Safety and Security Committee was established in 2018. The grants are administered through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

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School Safety and Security Panel Acts on Brewster’s Request for Safety Standards

School Safety and Security Panel Acts on Brewster’s Request for Safety Standards

Harrisburg – Aug. 29, 2019 – The statewide School Safety and Security Committee has endorsed state Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) plan to create a subcommittee to explore the development of baseline safety and security standards applicable to all schools.

“To ensure the safety and security of our students and all who go into public schools, it is critical that schools’ baseline safety standards be in place,” Brewster said.  “A detailed safety and security plan with a focus on a school’s physical plan, accessibility to mental health services and environmental protections is necessary.”

Recommendations produced by the subcommittee will be sent to the full School Safety and Security Committee for approval, Brewster said.

Earlier this year, Brewster sent a letter to the members of the School Safety and Security Committee asking that they consider his proposal.  Brewster, who serves on the committee, has sponsored Senate Bill 788, which would create baseline standards by statute. 

Brewster said he asked the committee to act on his idea to expedite work on developing the standards. 

“All school districts should have state resources available to adhere to easily understandable and clear baseline standards regarding the physical structure of schools, access to mental health professionals for counseling, and protection from environmental problems such as lead, mold and other health threats,” Brewster said.  “Our efforts are centered on protecting students, teachers, administrators and parents who are in our school buildings and on campus.”

The McKeesport lawmaker said the state budget has included $60 million installments for each of the last two years for school safety.  This funding can be applied to helping school districts comply with baseline requirements developed by the subcommittee, he said. 

The School Safety and Security Committee was established by statute in 2018 and is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Brewster said he is grateful that the committee acted on his request and pleased that it made his proposal a priority.

Brewster Announces $450,000 in School Safety and Security Grants

Brewster Announces $450,000 in School Safety and Security Grants

McKeesport – Oct. 30, 2018 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that $450,000 in School Safety and Security grants were awarded to various school districts in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.  The grant funding was authorized by the School Safety and Security Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

“Pushing resources out to schools quickly was one of the top priorities of the School Safety and Security Committee,” Brewster said. “Districts can use the funds to help protect students and make our school buildings safer and more secure.” 

Brewster is a member of the School Safety and Security Committee.  He was appointed earlier this year.

Local school districts that received the $25,000 grant allocation include:

  • Baldwin-Whitehall School District (Allegheny County)
  • Brentwood Borough School District (Allegheny County)
  • Clairton City School District (Allegheny County)
  • Duquesne City School District (Allegheny County)
  • East Allegheny School District (Allegheny County)
  • Elizabeth Forward School District (Allegheny County)
  • Gateway School District (Allegheny County)
  • McKeesport Area School District (Allegheny County)
  • Plum Borough School District (Allegheny County)
  • South Allegheny School District (Allegheny County)
  • West Mifflin Area School District (Allegheny County)
  • Woodland Hills School District (Allegheny County)
  • West Jefferson School District (Allegheny County)
  • Burrell School District (Westmoreland County)
  • Kiski Area School District (Westmoreland County)
  • New Kensington-Arnold School District (Westmoreland County)
  • Leechburg Area School District (Westmoreland County)
  • Penn-Trafford Area School District (Westmoreland County)

Gov. Tom Wolf signed Act 44 into law in June of 2018 which established the School Safety and Security Committee. The committee was charged with developing criteria for school safety and security assessments along with issues surveys to measure their safety and security preparedness.  It also administers grants to schools to improve safety and security.

There was a total of $52.5 million allocated to the School Safety and Security Grant Program for the 2018-2019 fiscal year.

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Sen. Brewster Announces Area School Safety Grants

Sen. Brewster Announces Area School Safety Grants

McKeesport – October 4, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced a total of $154,000 in state grants to improve safety and security in local schools.

“This funding will help establish safety programs, hire additional security personnel and purchase security-related equipment,” Brewster said. “I’m pleased with this round of state support and will continue to seek additional dollars to make our schools safer and more secure.”

The statewide grants were announced today by the state Department of Education following a report issued by the recently-established Pennsylvania School Safety Task Force. Brewster was the first state lawmaker to call for such a statewide task force, which provides an encompassing review of school safety procedures and makes recommendations for improvements.

Local schools receiving funds today include:

  • $20,000 for the McKeesport School District (violence prevention program);
  • $30,000 Baldwin-Whitehall School District (hire/train school security officers);
  • $30,000 Plum Borough School District (hire/train school security officers);
  • $30,000 Elizabeth Forward School District (hire/train school security officers);
  • $30,000 Allegheny Township (hire/train school security officers)
  • $14,000 for the Westinghouse Arts Academy (equipment);

Brewster said another round of grant funds will be coming from the new $60 million School Safety and Security Grant program he supported in this year’s state fiscal budget. Those grants will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The deadline for schools to apply for the PCCD grants is Oct. 12.

“Following the tragic school shooting in Florida last year, I am pleased to see that local schools are working to bolster school security and safety,” Brewster said. “It is imperative that we continue taking steps to provide a safe and positive learning environment for all students.”

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Brewster: School Building Security Features Must be Installed or No State Reimbursement

Brewster: School Building Security Features Must be Installed or No State Reimbursement

Harrisburg – March 27, 2018 – Hundreds of millions of dollars per year are committed to school construction and rehabilitation projects in Pennsylvania; and if Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) new legislation is approved, there would be no state reimbursement for buildings that are not equipped with state-of-the-art school safety features. 

“Given the tragic school shootings, we have to explore all ways of improving school safety and keeping our children safe,” Brewster said.  “New or refurbished school buildings must be equipped with state-of-the-art safety features to prevent trespass, stop assailants and secure space for children.”

Brewster’s legislation would prohibit state reimbursement for any school building construction or rehabilitation through Pennsylvania’s “PlanCon” process unless baseline safety elements are included in the plans. PlanCon is the acronym for the state’s Planning and Construction Workbook where school districts are reimbursed for approved school construction projects.

Brewster said the installation of safety stops, emergency lights and panic buttons, impenetrable strong glass, secure access points and surveillance cameras should be part of a “school security blanket.” 

“Specific baseline school safety features would be approved through a statewide school safety panel so that experts would have the opportunity to express their ideas about best practices,” Brewster said. 

The western Pennsylvania lawmaker is sponsoring legislation to create an 11-member commission that would be responsible for recommending new policies and procedures to protect students.  He said recommendations related to school building safety is a perfect example of why a statewide commission is necessary. 

“School districts are working exceptionally hard to protect students, but new, sophisticated threats require a fresh approach to school building safety,” Brewster said.   “Taxpayers, students, teachers and administrators should be confident that a school building is protected from external and internal threats.”

Brewster said his proposal is a commonsense idea that can be quickly and easily implemented.  He expects to introduce the measure within the next several weeks. 

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Sen. Brewster Calls for Armed Security in School Buildings

Sen. Brewster Calls for Armed Security in School Buildings

McKeesport – March 9, 2018 – In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, where 17 students died, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today proposed placing an armed security guard at all school buildings that conduct classroom instruction.

“It is clear to me that we need to have an armed security officer in each school building where classroom instruction is taking place,” Brewster said.  “Students must be better protected.

“Parents deserve assurance that school buildings are safe and secure environments.”

Brewster said his plan to add armed security to each school building would be part of a menu of school safety ideas considered by his proposed statewide school security panel.  Last week, Brewster called for the creation of the panel to examine school security ideas and present recommendations for safety upgrades. 

“The recent accounts of horrific school shootings where students have been killed or wounded by armed assailants — should prompt action by lawmakers,” Brewster said.  “A statewide school safety panel could evaluate a range of ideas and use proposals from experts on safety and security.

“There have a been many ideas offered about how we can improve school safety,” the McKeesport lawmaker said. “We need to be open-minded and willing to consider both conventional and non-conventional school safety proposals.” 

Brewster said metal detectors, automatic emergency doorstops, police call buttons and other security ideas are excellent proposals that would help secure buildings from armed assailants.  He added that armed security personnel would augment these safety initiatives. 

Brewster’s legislation would create an 11-member Statewide School Safety Panel responsible for reviewing proposed changes to strategic plans, analyzing existing safety procedures and studying new ideas, technologies and strategies. The panel would make recommendations, policy suggestions and design plans to help school officials protect students.

“There should be an ongoing panel of experts who can recommend new policies and procedures we can use to protect children in school and on buses,” Brewster said.  “We need to understand how schools are providing protection now and seek ideas about improving safety standards.

“The panel could stipulate specific training and requirements applicable to all school security officers and identify how the costs can be equitably apportioned between the state and school district,” he added. “Many schools have implemented security procedures and strategies that could be used by other schools to better protect students when there are threats.” 

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Sen. Brewster Calls for Statewide School Safety Panel

Sen. Brewster Calls for Statewide School Safety Panel

Harrisburg, February 28, 2018 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today said he will introduce legislation that would establish a statewide school safety panel to review school and bus safety policies and procedures and help lawmakers implement standardized statewide safety procedures.

“Recent school tragedies and disturbing reports on security and background check lapses have exposed a disturbing vulnerability on the safety of our schools,” Brewster said. “Funding shortfalls and antiquated safety procedures are putting our children at risk. We must take steps to upgrade school safety and security.”

Senator Brewster School Safety Measures Featured on WPXI

To address the issue in a thorough and comprehensive way, Brewster said he would establish a 10-member statewide panel to offer diverse expertise, wide-ranging viewpoints and innovative ideas. Panel members would be comprised of law enforcement officials, educators, parents and legislators.

“Using the latest data and information, this panel would be called on to continually review proposed changes to the state’s strategic plan, analyze existing safety procedures, and study new ideas, technology and strategies to help lawmakers and education officials update statewide policies and procedures.”

In support of the panel’s efforts, Brewster said he will also call for a legislative committee to gather comprehensive data from statewide school districts, private schools and colleges to provide detailed data on school and bus safety procedures.

“This information would help form a basis by which the school safety panel, lawmakers and education officials can implement sound and substantive statewide safety procedures,” Brewster said.

The McKeesport lawmaker said there are many school safety bills in the pipeline and that it is important to gather all the information and ideas in a onetime effort to implement a strategic plan.

“Policymakers need factual and detailed information on existing procedures, problems and strategies before we can act on a comprehensive solution,” Brewster added. “We need all the facts so we can take what’s working and improve upon it.”

Brewster, who co-chairs the Legislative and Budget Finance Committee, said he will ask the committee chairman, Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Berks/Bucks/Montgomery), to have their committee conduct the comprehensive data collection – mandating that a report be completed and submitted to lawmakers no later than Dec 31.

He said the data can help assess the use, efficiency and success of various school safety measures such as armed guards, tip-lines, arming school personnel, surveillance cameras and other structural and technology enhancements. He said the data collection effort can assist and work conjunctively with efforts underway by education officials, lawmakers and other state officials.

“All options need to be on the table as we go about finding the best way to improve safety in schools and on buses,” Brewster said.  “We also need to explore prospective financial resources that can support our efforts.”

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