The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) announced on Wednesday that a $10.2 million investment grant is open for all Tennessee public school districts.
The agency said the Resilient School Communities Grant is available to address needs for school-based support, expand school-based initiatives, and increase staff capacity to best serve students.
According to the statement: “All Tennessee school districts are encouraged to apply, and the grant awards will vary based on their application score, with all complete, qualifying applications receiving funding. The application deadline is September 8, 2022. This grant funding comes from COVID-19 relief funding via the Tennessee Department of Health to support the Tennessee Department of Education’s needs for expanded school-based supports.”
“For years, Tennessee school districts have worked diligently to help students overcome barriers, and Resilient School Communities grants will offer resources to help continue this work,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “We thank the Tennessee Department of Health for partnering in this work to help districts across Tennessee secure needed resources and specialized staff to support Tennessee students.”
TDOE said that the grant funding would “cover the cost of resources to train participating districts in trauma-informed practices while receiving regional and state-level support for execution. Additionally, the grant funding will extend school-based initiatives and supports within districts through development of comprehensive school-based supports and program models, such as Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education (AWARE).”
TDOE added that the funding will “increase staff capacity for school-based supports, including mental health support staff, such as counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and behavioral specialists.”
TDH Commissioner Dr. Morgan McDonald, MD FACP FAAP, applauded the work of the TDOE.
“By supporting schools and teachers, this funding will have resounding impacts for healthier school environments and ultimately a healthier state for years to come,” she said.
Dr. Tim Parrott, director of schools for Anderson County Schools, said his school district is “thankful” for the opportunity to apply for the grant funding.
“If our proposal is approved, we will use the grant funds to purchase additional professional development and mental health curriculum for our teachers, counselors, and administrators. We hope with these two things we can better equip our employees to deal with the ever-growing mental health and trauma issues our educators encounter on a day-to-day basis,” he said.
Dr. Versie Hamlett, director of schools for Fayette County Public Schools, said her school district is “excited” about what potential opportunities the grant funding could provide to the school district.
“This grant would help us provide and create a resilient and trauma-informed district, implement restorative practices throughout the district, and create partnerships to enhance and sustain our goals,” she said.
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Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]. Follow Aaron on GETTR, Twitter, Truth Social, and Parler.
