Eight Mercer County school districts are among more than 620 across the commonwealth that have been awarded state grants to move disruptive students to alternative education programs.

About $20.6 million was awarded across the state through the Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Program grants authorized by the General Assembly under Act 30 in 1997, according to a news release issued by state Sen. Bob Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th District.

"When disruptive students are permitted to remain in the classroom, everyone loses," Robbins said. "The better behaved students can't focus on learning and the troubled students don't get the help and discipline they need. These grants will free up teachers to do what they're trained to do -- teach. The disruptive students will be taught by professionals specially trained to help improve discipline and behavior. When they are ready to return to the regular classroom, they will be welcomed back."

The schools are scheduled to receive a total of $202,030, with the amount of funding per student equalling $890.

Following are the county districts, including the name of the alternative education program and amount, that were awarded funds: