School safety money would be slashed in Trump budget

Source: Politico



By KIMBERLY HEFLING

02/15/2018 03:00 PM EST

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Funds targeted for reduction or elimination in the Trump administration's fiscal 2019 request have helped pay for counselors in schools and violence prevention programs. Such funds were used for mental health aid for students and teachers in the Newtown, Conn., school district following the deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in 2012.

When asked about the proposed cuts, Liz Hill, an Education Department spokeswoman, said the department is "committed to providing resources, direct support and technical assistance to schools who have suffered unthinkable tragedy."

The budget request calls for a $25 million reduction in funds designated for national school safety activities, compared with 2017. President Donald Trump's budget would eliminate altogether a $400 million grant program that districts can use, for example, to prevent bullying or provide mental health assistance.


Trump's budget would also zero out the School Emergency Response to Violence program, known as Project SERV — funded at $1 million in 2017 — that in years past provided millions in funds used by the district in Newtown. However, Hill said that the grant program's funds carry over from year to year and the department projects that a current $5.2 million balance will be sufficient to meet needs through the next fiscal year...............................







Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2018/02/15/school-safety-cuts-trump-administration-348968

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Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. is pictured. | AP Photo

The Trump budget would eliminate “project prevention grants” as part of its proposal that would cut $25 million in national school safety activities. Those grants have directed millions to school districts with pervasive violence to help pay for activities like counseling and conflict resolution. | Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo

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