COLUMBIA – Four school districts in South Carolina are receiving federal funds totaling more than $500,000 to improve their local emergency management plans. The awards were announced by U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings as part of $24 million going to 92 school districts in 34 states. The South Carolina districts, their grant amounts and project managers are:

Anderson School District Five – $209, 222 – Tripp Dukes, assistant superintendent for planning and analysis

Laurens County School District 56 – $99,759 – David Pitts, assistant superintendent for operations

Williamsburg County School District – $98,055 – Boykin Parson, purchasing and safety officer

York School District One – $109,246 – Lisa Spangler, coordinator of special projects

"Nothing is more important to Americans than the safety of their children," Spellings said. "These grants will support that effort by helping more school districts strengthen their crisis planning and better coordinate with the entire community to ensure the safety of our schools and students."

Federal officials said the funds may used for coordinating with local emergency responders, including fire, police, and health and public health agencies; for conducting drills and exercises; for purchasing emergency supplies and equipment; and for training school staff members and students on emergency response procedures.

The grants are administered by the federal Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools, which supports efforts to create safe schools, respond to crises, prevent drug and alcohol abuse, ensure the health and well-being of students, and teach students good citizenship and character. As part of the No Child Left Behind Act, local school districts must have plans that outline how they are working to keep their schools safe and drug-free.