The Georgia Department of Education is awarding $3,191,225 to 66 rural school districts for improving school safety practices and infrastructure and Evans, Jenkins, and Screven counties are among the recipients.
State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced last week that the State Board of Education approved Superintendent Woods’ recommendation to award School Safety Improvement Grants of up to $50,000 per district to improve COVID-19-related school safety practices and infrastructure.
Both Jenkins and Screven counties will receive $50,000. Evans County will receive $48,804.
The 66 rural district awardees may use the grant funds to purchase items, materials, or services that align with their school safety plans and meet all ESSER fund requirements and guidelines. The districts must also demonstrate a partnership with local law enforcement or emergency management agencies.
“Student safety remains the top priority for the Georgia Department of Education and schools across the state,” Superintendent Woods said. “These grants support rural schools improving school safety practices and infrastructure and ensure we continue to do everything within our power to protect our students.”
Earlier this year, the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) and the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) launched the Georgia Center for School Safety, a website clearinghouse to distribute school safety resources and updated training to Georgia schools and community partners.
