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The funds can be used to provide counseling for students and teachers, hire substitute teachers, and retain experts in long-term crisis planning. Secretary Paige offered broad support that will help schools deal with the crisis on an immediate and long-term basis. He also urged teachers to help students cope with the terrorist attacks, and encouraged students to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the recent tragedies. Similar to how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers aid to communities struck by hurricanes or other disasters, Project SERV makes funds available to school districts for use in reestablishing safe learning environments. Earlier this year, the Department provided two Project SERV grants to the Grossmont Union High School District—the district that houses Santana and Granite Hills High Schools—after both high schools experienced school shootings. Grants were also made to school districts in Fresno, California, and Anchorage, Alaska, where schools have been disrupted by traumatic events. The Project SERV funds are being used for increased security, counseling, translation services, and related needs. Project SERV was created with a
$10 million appropriation from Congress last year. Final guidelines
for the program are still being developed, but draft guidelines
recommend that the U.S. Department of Education make Project
SERV funds available to support school districts in both short-term
and long-term crisis assistance needs. Project SERV is administered
by the Department's Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program. |
