Carson City, NV -
January 13, 2016Immediate Release
Carson City, NV -
The Nevada Department of Education’s Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning
Environment is pleased to announce that it has formally awarded block grants to
the neediest schools in Nevada as an essential tool that will provide
tremendous assistance. All eleven school districts that applied received
funding, as well as six of the neediest charter schools. Nevada’s schools will
be receiving a minimum of 161 social workers and other mental health
professionals to provide immediate support across 132 schools.
“Our schools are primed for
excellence thanks to the recently enacted education bills. Increasing the
number of trained mental health professionals will empower our children to
achieve both personally and academically,” said Interim Superintendent of
Public Instruction Steve Canavero. “As a parent myself, I am provided with
comfort knowing our children’s physical and emotional safety is a priority in
Nevada.”
School districts received
awards that will be dedicated to their neediest schools based upon the school’s
application and their scores from a recent school climate survey taken by
students. “This award is significant and will assist our district schools in
fully supporting and implementing the Governor’s goals and initiatives
regarding school climate and bullying,” said Dr. Tammy Malich, Deputy
Superintendent of Clark County School District.
Dr. Eddie Ableser, Director
of the Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment stated, “This
grant lays the foundation for paradigmatic change for Nevada’s students. We are
emphasizing that an investment in our children’s social and emotional health
and safety reaps massive dividends in their academic achievement.” Schools will
be able to apply again for the Social Workers in Schools Block Grant this
summer for the upcoming 2016-2017 school year.
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