Washington – Senator Evan Bayh announced today that three Central Indiana school districts were awarded grants totaling $418,473 from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) as part of the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Program.

The Metropolitan School District of Warren Township in Indianapolis will receive $224,351. Herron High School, also in Indianapolis, will receive $96,418. And, the South Montgomery Community School Corporation in New Market has been awarded $97,704.

The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools discretionary grant funds will be used to strengthen and improve emergency response and crisis management plans.

"These grants provide important resources to assist local schools in proactively planning for the unexpected, which is critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of Hoosier students, teachers and staff," Senator Bayh said.

The grant requires that districts and schools work with community partners, such as local law enforcement, government, and public and mental health professionals in the development of their plans. The plans also must include training for school staff and students, and a plan for communicating emergency management policies and procedures to parents.

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