West Central PA News

Two school districts in the area have been awarded a total of $1.5 million in state funding to facilitate essential facility improvement projects, as announced by Sen. Cris Dush (R-25) and Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter).

“This funding will ensure that necessary improvements at Oswayo Valley and Otto-Eldred are completed for the benefits of both the students who learn there and the teachers that teach there,” stated Dush. He added that utilizing state funds helps prevent an increased tax burden on families already facing rising costs and inflation.

The Oswayo Valley School District has received $1 million for an HVAC project at its elementary school, which includes replacing air units and boilers to enhance temperature control and energy efficiency. Additionally, piping infrastructure will be replaced, and system controls optimized.

Otto-Eldred School District was granted $505,000 to address roofing issues at Otto-Eldred Junior-Senior High School. The project involves replacing wind-damaged sections of the roof and those susceptible to leaks, while other areas will undergo restoration.

“It’s so important to ensure our students have safe and comfortable schools in which to learn, and these grants will go a long way toward helping Oswayo Valley and Otto-Eldred meet significant HVAC and roofing needs,” Causer commented. He expressed satisfaction with advocating for these investments.

These grants were provided through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant program, designed to assist public school districts and area career and technical schools with eligible facility improvement projects. Each district is required to contribute 25% of the project's cost in matching funds.