Shapiro Signs Public School Facility Grant Program for School District Improvements

Harrisburg, PA – On Wednesday, December 13, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Act 34 of 2023 into law creating the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program that provides funding for critical building infrastructure upgrades for K-12 school districts and career and technical education (CTE) centers. For SitelogIQ customers, this grant program directly addresses the most pressing physical needs of Pennsylvania public schools.

Eligible upgrades include roof repairs and replacements; HVAC equipment; boilers and controls; plumbing systems; energy savings projects; emergencies; accessibility projects; internet connectivity (not including the purchasing of educational technology hardware or software); demolition work; window repairs and replacements; health and safety upgrades, including lead and asbestos abatement/remediation; and other project approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

“We’d like to thank Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly for implementing this significant funding program that will help schools across the state create better learning environments,” said Rick Evans, SitelogIQ Northeast President.

SitelogIQ testified before the Senate Education Committee during a public hearing in May 2023 to share their expertise on what drives major K-12 facilities projects and how this funding will greatly benefit school districts. They also provided examples of how school districts utilize long-term facility maintenance planning to manage capital improvement projects.

Grant program awards will require a 25% local match and range from $500,000 to $5,000,000 in project costs. There is no limit to the number of applications a school district can submit, however, no one school entity may receive more than 20% of the overall allocation.

Act 34 indicates that within 60 days the CFA in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education shall adopt guidelines for the program. For more information on the CFA, visit: https://dced.pa.gov/programs-funding/commonwealth-financing-authority-cfa/.