U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos today announced that the Department will award St. Mary’s County Board of Education a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant in the amount of $189,202. This grant will support recovery efforts following the school shooting at Great Mills High School in Southern Maryland that left one student dead and another injured on March 20, 2018.

“This SERV grant will help to provide essential services that will aid in the healing and recovery process for those affected by the tragic school shooting at Great Mills High School,” said Secretary DeVos. “My heart is broken for all of those who have suffered the impacts of school violence in St. Mary’s County and across the country. The Federal School Safety Commission is working to find common-sense solutions to bolster school safety and help prevent such incidents.”

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.

St. Mary’s County will use this funding to support recovery efforts to assist Great Mills High School students and staff. Funding will provide assistance for costs associated with providing support for the school, including additional staffing support and mental health services. These activities will provide support as the school moves forward and to build further resilience among the school community.

For more information on allowable uses for Project SERV grants, click here.