The Department of Education, through its Office of Safe Schools, announces the opportunity for school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools and charter schools to make application for Safe Schools Initiative grant funding for fiscal year 2003-2004. Safe Schools Initiative grant applications are due June 20, 2003.

   The purpose of the Safe Schools Initiative is to assist schools with violence prevention and reduction efforts. The Safe Schools Initiative is designed to provide funding for the planning process and the implementation of comprehensive safe schools plans. The Safe Schools Initiative is guided by Act 26 of 1995, as amended by Act 30 of 1997 and Act 36 of 1999, the Safe Schools Act. The attached Request for Applications (RFA) provides additional information about eligibility, grant requirements and the application process. Funding for this initiative is available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Safe Schools.

   In his first year in office, Governor Edward Rendell demonstrates his support for school safety by supporting the Safe Schools Initiative grant program in his 2003-2004 State Budget. Governor Rendell encourages schools to work with the Department of Education and local community leaders, agencies and organizations to identify and deal with school and community specific problems ranging from school security to bullying prevention. Governor Rendell stresses the need for local collaboration when developing and implementing a Comprehensive Safe Schools Plan.

   In coordination with other Department of Education and related state agency initiatives that address school and youth violence, the Safe Schools Initiative grants will enable schools and their communities to ensure that students can learn in an environment that is free of fear and violence.

   We look forward to assisting schools and communities in their school safety and violence prevention efforts. Questions about the funding guidelines should be directed to the Center for Safe Schools at (717) 763-1661.

   The Request for Application is located on the Department of Education's web site www.pde.state.pa.us; click on the K-12 tab, then on the link to "Student Services and Programs," then "Safe Schools Initiative."