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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 23, 2018
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Governor Wolf Appoints Charles Ramsey Chairman of the School Safety and Security Committee

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf has appointed Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Chairman Charles H. Ramsey as Chairman of the new School Safety and Security Committee. PCCD Acting Executive Director Derin Myers will perform the duties of the committee chairman if Ramsey is unavailable.

"This committee is bringing together a broad range of stakeholders to develop a holistic approach to protecting our students and teachers in communities throughout Pennsylvania," said Governor Wolf. "By working together, we will make our school buildings more secure, improve training for school officials and law enforcement, and ensure that students get the emotional and behavior supports they need."

In June, Governor Wolf signed Act 44 of 2018 into law, creating a Safe Schools and Security Committee within PCCD. The committee will administer the new $60 million School Safety Fund, created in the 2018-19 state budget.

The committee will award the funding to school districts and other school entities in the form of grants to cover numerous expenses and programs to keep students and teachers safe, including physical building upgrades, security equipment, teacher training, alternative education programs, community violence prevention programs, and special and individualized mentoring programs.

The 17-member committee will also establish best practices when conducting school safety and security assessments for school buildings, trainings and student behavioral health support, as well as issue a survey to school entities to measure school safety and security preparedness.

MEDIA CONTACT:    J.J. Abbott, 717-783-1116 

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