BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Congressman Jim Costa Wednesday announced that $564,251 in federal funding for Kern County schools.

The funding, made available through the Education Department’s Readiness Emergency Management for Schools Program, was awarded to the Kern County Superintendent of Schools to strengthen and improve emergency response and crisis management plans. These response plans will increase school’s preparedness to address issues ranging from food safety to infectious diseases.

“I am pleased that Kern schools will receive this funding to further safeguard our children’s schools,” said Costa. “Providing a safe educational environment for Valley kids is vital to ensuring that our schools can prepare students for college and beyond. Improving our schools is key to our Valley’s economic future and today’s announcement is another step in the right direction.”

In reviewing and improving their plans, schools will work with community partners including, local law enforcement, public safety or emergency management, public health, and mental health agencies and local government. Response plans will include training for school staff, a plan to sustain local partnerships, and a plan for communicating policies and reunification procedures to parents.

Information Provided By The Office Of Jim Costa