New Century Educational Management in Phoenix, was awarded a $249,436 grant to help enhance & fortify its readiness & emergency response management plans. New Century Educational Management is one of 91 school districts in 32 states to receive an award under the Readiness & Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) grant program. In total, more than $27 million was awarded to school districts across the country.
The REMS discretionary grant program provides funds for school districts to improve & strengthen their emergency management plans. The program also enables school districts to develop improved plans that address all 4 phases of emergency management: Prevention-Mitigation, Preparedness, Response & Recovery. School districts also must commit to developing written plans that are coordinated with state Homeland Security plans, support the implementation of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) & are designed to prepare for a possible infectious disease outbreak, such as an influenza pandemic.
Funds also can be used to train school personnel & students in emergency management; communicate emergency management policies & reunification procedures to parents & guardians; coordinate with local emergency responders, including fire & police; purchase equipment; & coordinate with groups & organizations responsible for recovery issues, such as health & mental health agencies.
As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, local school districts must provide assurances that they have plans that outline how they are working to keep their schools safe & drug-free.
The grants are housed within the Office of Safe & Drug-Free Schools, which supports efforts to create safe schools, respond to crises, prevent drug & alcohol abuse, ensure the health & well being of students, & teach students good citizenship & character. The office also coordinates the Department’s efforts in these areas with other federal agencies.