March 30, 2004

LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan will help public schools across the state upgrade their emergency preparedness plans through an $8.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant will fund a comprehensive homeland security initiative in schools. The Michigan Homeland Security School Initiative, which identifies school buildings as critical infrastructure in the wake of September 11, is the first of its kind in the nation.

"Our children are among our most critical assets," said Granholm. "Today, we are helping schools protect them."

Joining Granholm for the announcement was Michigan State Police Director Col. Tadarial J. Sturdivant, the state’s director of Homeland Security.

"Parents put an enormous amount of trust in the ability of teachers and administrators to care for their children while at school," added Granholm. "Unfortunately, any one of our schools could be touched by a crisis at any time, and school staff need to be prepared to serve as first responders until police, fire and EMS arrive."

Currently, 530 school districts, encompassing more than 3,200 school buildings, are participating in the initiative. All of the state’s 843 public school districts, including charter and public school academies, can apply to participate in the initiative. School districts have until May 31 to apply to participate in the initiative.

Grant monies will be used by schools to complete three tasks: a vulnerability assessment of their buildings; a revision of their school safety response plan to include preparation for a potential homeland security emergency; and, either a tabletop or full-scale emergency preparedness exercise in their community.

"It’s important that Michigan’s schools are prepared," Sturdivant said. "Knowing what to do when faced with a crisis can be the difference between calm and chaos, and courage and fear."