Wentling, Bonner Announce Safety Grants for Mercer County Nonpublic Schools

June 5, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer) and Tim Bonner (R-Mercer/Butler) today announced the approval of $171,000 in state grants for nonpublic schools in Mercer County to bolster security and support student mental health.

“Students, parents and teachers deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing schools are taking strong, proactive steps to keep children safe,” said Wentling. “These grants will help Mercer County nonpublic schools strengthen security, improve emergency preparedness and better support the mental health needs of students.”

“Safe schools are essential to student success,” Bonner said. “This funding is important for both prevention and protection, helping ensure nonpublic schools have the resources they need to maintain secure learning environments where students can focus on their education.”

The following private schools or eligible school security providers in Mercer County have been awarded grant funding from the Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools program:

   • Shenango Valley Catholic School System – St. John Paul II Elementary/Kennedy Catholic Middle/High, $75,000.
   • Stoneboro Wesleyan Methodist School, $75,000.
   • Grove City Christian Academy – Madison Avenue, $10,500.
   • Grove City Christian Academy – Mill Street, $10,500.

Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools funding is awarded to nonpublic schools to address student mental health, and to municipalities, law enforcement agencies and approved school security personnel third-party vendors to provide school security services to public and nonpublic schools. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.



Representative Parke Wentling 
7th Legislative District 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives 
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
ccomisac@pahousegop.com