School emergency response to violence (project serv)

Avery County Schools received a $202,280 Project Grant award from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education under the School Safety National Activities program (CFDA 84.184) on May 12, 2025, with a completion date of June 30, 2026. This award supports the School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) Project, which focuses on improving student safety and mental health services within the school district. The funding enables Avery County Schools to develop and implement comprehensive initiatives aimed at enhancing student well-being, preventing violence, and strengthening emergency preparedness across the district's educational settings in Newland, North Carolina.

The grant aligns with the broader objectives of the School Safety National Activities program, which prioritizes expanding school-based mental health services, increasing the availability of qualified mental health professionals in educational settings, and developing innovative approaches to student safety. Through this award, Avery County Schools will work to address critical challenges including mental health support, violence prevention, and emergency response capabilities—particularly relevant to rural and underserved communities. The district must maintain comprehensive records of all grant activities and outcomes for three years following the award period in accordance with applicable federal regulations.