Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Announces Initial Recovery Support for Parkland
Following the tragic events in Parkland, Florida, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced the Department will award Broward County Public Schools a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) grant. The initial $1,000,000 grant will support recovery efforts at schools in the Broward County Public School system following the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that left 17 people dead and 14 others injured on February 14, 2018.
"My heart is broken for the students, teachers and families who have had to endure this unthinkable tragedy," said DeVos. "I am committed to helping identify solutions to prevent another tragedy like this one from happening again. The initial SERV funds awarded today will help Broward County provide services to aid in the healing and recovery process."
DeVos added, "I have had the honor to meet several members of the Parkland community over the past days. The strength shown by these students, family members and educators is an inspiration to us all."
Project SERV provides critical support to school districts and institutions of higher education that have experienced a significant traumatic event and need resources to restore the learning environment for students and staff. Examples of activities that may be funded by Project SERV include mental health services; overtime for teachers, counselors and security staff; and payment of substitute teachers.
Secretary DeVos and Department staff have been in frequent contact with state and local education leaders in Florida over the last two weeks as they assess their needs. Last week at the Department, the Secretary hosted many of the parents, students and educators impacted by the Parkland tragedy and also participated with them in a White House discussion on school safety.
For more information on allowable uses for Project SERV grants, click here