Washington—U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced today that Marshall County School District (MCSD) in Kentucky has been awarded a Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant totaling $138,213. This grant will support the ongoing recovery efforts following the Jan. 23, 2018 shooting at Marshall County High School (MCHS) that took the lives of two students and injured 15 others.

"This grant is part of our ongoing commitment to help the Marshall County community recover and ensure its students, educators and parents are supported," said Secretary DeVos. "My work on the Federal Commission on School Safety has focused and continues to focus on recognizing proven solutions to prevent these tragedies and to ensure all our schools are safe places of learning."

Marshall County School District received an Immediate Services grant to provide emergency, short-term assistance. According to education officials in Kentucky, these funds will be used to hire additional alternative school instructors, an additional homebound instructor and an aide to assist counseling staff, as well as compensate bus and custodial staff for the extra services they will provide.

"We are grateful to Secretary DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education for these grant funds that will support the Marshall County community as they continue to heal," said Gov. Matt Bevin. "Following the heartbreaking events of Jan. 23, West Kentuckians showcased to the world their exceptional strength, faith and resiliency. Our Commonwealth continues to stand united with the students, educators and families of MCHS, as we utilize every potential resource available to move forward together."

Secretary DeVos and Department officials will continue to be in contact with state and local education officials in Kentucky to ensure their needs are being met throughout their recovery period.