Esty, Blumenthal, Murphy, Newtown Officials Applaud $3.1 Million SERV Grant for Newtown
Press Release
Today, Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), First Selectwoman Pat Llodra, and Newtown Superintendent Dr. Joseph Erardi applauded a $3.1 million School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the Newtown Public School District to support further recovery efforts at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
"The unimaginable tragedy that occurred on December 14 still strikes hard at the core of the Newtown community," said Esty. "This grant will help Newtown's educators, students, and families heal, recover, and provide a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. I am proud to assist in securing this additional grant to help with what we know will be long-term needs of the Newtown educational community who were and continue to be so deeply affected. As their Representative in Congress, I will continue to work hard to support this resilient community in every way that I can."
"Since that horrific December day, Newtown has rallied together in recovery, inspiring us all with their strength, compassion and courage," said Blumenthal. "For the Sandy Hook community -- the teachers, counselors, first responders, parents and students -- recovery is a long road that may require continued attention and services. Since the days and hours immediately after this tragedy, the Department of Justice and Department of Education have been key partners, providing critical support and resources. This grant builds upon that comprehensive effort, extending critical support to Newtown survivors for an additional two years as students and teachers work to restore a learning environment. Newtown will be recovering for a long time, and I will work tirelessly to support them every step of the way. Services and help supported by these funds can help heal and ease the hurt, but will never erase the hole in our hearts."
"The Department of Education has stepped up once again to ensure that the families and students who continue to feel the effects of the horrific shooting in Newtown get the help they need to cope with their unspeakable grief," said Murphy. "In my mind, there's no end to the amount of support we should provide to the Newtown community in response to one of our nation's greatest tragedies, and I'll keep fighting for additional resources for the amazing people of Newtown--they're the definition of bravery and strength."
"The Town of Newtown joins the school district in extending sincere appreciation for the continuing support of the federal government in this third issuing of a SERV grant," said Newtown First Selectwoman Pat Llodra. "The district has put into place a school-based recovery program that merits on-going support through SERV. This grant provides funding for the recovery personnel and programs. Soon, we move into a second year after the tragedy at Sandy Hook. Recovery of those most impacted by the tragedy need continuing support and this SERV grant enables that good work of the recovery team to continue. "
"The Department of Education continues to be an integral support system to the Newtown Board of Education and to the community-at-large," said Newtown Superintendent Dr. Joseph Erardi. "Personally and professionally, I am greatly appreciative to the Department's commitment to Newtown immediately after the tragedy, and equally important, their continued unyielding commitment with the award of $3.1 million for the next two school years. I assure the Department of Education, our federal delegates who worked tirelessly to support our application, and to our families who suffered such a tragic loss on December 14, 2012, that every penny of every dollar will be spent wisely for those in need. Finally, it is with great privilege that I accept this funding stream on behalf of the Newtown Board of Education."
This $3.1 million award from the Department of Education, combined with a $1.3 million grant for the 2012-13 school year and a $1.9 million grant for the 2013-14 school year, brings the total to more than $6.4 million for the Newtown School District--one of the largest Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) grants ever awarded. Federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Justice to the community of Newtown now totals just over $15 million
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