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Read the press release here.

CPS gets $50,000 Fed Grant to Deal With Englewood Violence

By Ted Cox | February 11, 2013 11:34am
 U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is giving CPS a grant to deal with "senseless violence."
U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan is giving CPS a grant to deal with "senseless violence."
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U.S. Department of Education

CHICAGO — Chicago's public schools are getting a $50,000 federal grant to help deal with violence in the Englewood neighborhood.

The funds come through the U.S. Department of Education's Project School Emergency Response to Violence and are specifically meant to address 35 shootings over the past year at four high schools in the Englewood community.

“These grants provide support to students, educators and communities impacted by these senseless shootings,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

“Tragic events damage students and entire communities, and disrupt teaching and learning. These funds will support Chicago schools as they continue to recover from these acts of violence and work to make the community safer so all children can live free of fear.”

CPS applied for the grant and intends to use it on its Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program as well as Response-to-Intervention plans to address violence, including crisis counseling.

According to the Project website, funds can be used for mental health assessments, overtime for teachers, counselors, law enforcement and security officers, and temporary security measures such as metal detectors and additional security guards and security cameras.

The Department of Education's Office of Safe and Healthy Students has awarded $29 million in Project SERV grants to 99 districts since its formation in 2001.

 

Duncan previously served as Chicago Public Schools chief before joining the cabinet of President Barack Obama and also joined Michelle Obama in attending the funeral of Hadiya Pendleton last weekend.