Four county school districts were awarded grants to provide education services to students with special needs who have been impacted by COVID-19 mitigation efforts and may face additional challenges through the new academic year.

Sate Rep. Marci Mustello, R-11th, said Special Education COVID-19 Impact Mitigation Grants have been awarded to the districts.

The Butler Area School District will receive $85,404, the Slippery Rock Area School District will receive $26,608, the South Butler County School District will receive $12,378, and the Karns City Area School District will receive $8,942.

Grant amounts were calculated using a formula based on the number of students with complex special education needs. Distribution of funds to Preschool Early Intervention Programs will be made based on identified needs.

“Special education funding is an issue of extreme importance to all Pennsylvania school districts,” Mustello said. “It continues to be one of the major financial obstacles facing our schools, and we must work to alleviate some of their financial burden, especially during the pandemic, so they are able to provide our children with a quality education. I am pleased to see our local schools receive this much-needed funding.”