School emergency response to violence (project serv)

The Office of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Asheville City Schools a $707,319 Project Grant under the School Safety National Activities program (CFDA 84.184) on May 5, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2026. This grant supports comprehensive mental health and educational support initiatives designed to improve student safety and well-being during and after the school day. The funding enables the school district to develop and expand school-based mental health services, increase access to qualified mental health professionals within educational settings, and implement innovative approaches to violence prevention and emergency preparedness.

As a local educational agency, Asheville City Schools will leverage this federal funding to address critical mental health challenges and student safety needs within its district. The School Safety National Activities program targets local and state educational agencies to strengthen school safety infrastructure through evidence-based practices in mental health service delivery and emergency response protocols. The grant aligns with the Department of Education's broader efforts to address school psychologist shortages and expand mental health professional training in high-need educational settings across the nation.