The Perry County School System is set to receive a $400,000 grant from the Alabama State Department of Education as part of the Stronger Connection Grant funds of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA). The award is among $14,723,204.32 being distributed across 38 districts in the state.
The funds are earmarked for the enhancement of safe and healthy schools and for the improvement of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). The grants aim to strengthen community and family partnerships. School systems throughout Alabama were required to apply for the grant and high-need districts— those with high rates of poverty, a high rate of out-of-field teachers, or schools as part of state or federal school improvement programs—were given priority.
As part of the terms of the grant, recipients have three years to use the funding. The funding is anticipated to be used for activities ranging from drug awareness and suicide prevention to trauma-informed classroom management and efforts to reduce suspension and expulsions. The program’s main focus is to establish safe and healthy learning environments and engage parents, families, and the larger community.
Specifically, applicants were encouraged to include goals and plans on how they would help school officials and families form trusting and respectful relationships and conduct community-engaging activities like neighborhood walks and open houses.
This funding opportunity will provide critical support to the Perry County School System in its efforts to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for its students.
