Last week, members of the Principal Recovery Network (PRN) met with U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon and federal lawmakers to advocate for continued funding for programs supporting schools recovering from violent incidents and natural disasters.
The PRN, convened by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), is a coalition of school leaders who have managed campuses affected by tragedies like school shootings. Led by Greg Johnson, a high school principal from Ohio, the group delivered a clear message to policymakers: schools can’t afford to cut resources designed to foster safe and supportive environments for students and staff, reports Education Week.
During these meetings, the PRN requested that the budget for Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV) be expanded from $5 million to $25 million. Project SERV grants assist schools in dealing with the aftermath of violence or natural disasters by providing funding to hire school resource officers and mental health professionals.
Related Article: 3 Things Your School District Needs to Consider When Planning for Natural Disasters
Principals Warn Title II and Title IV Cuts Could Threaten School Security
The group also expressed concerns about proposed budget cuts to Title II and Title IV funding, both of which are critical for long-term improvements in mental health services and school safety protocols. Currently, Title II allocates $2.19 billion to support teachers and principals, and Title IV provides $1.38 billion for student-focused programs. These funds allow districts to hire mental health staff, conduct suicide prevention training, and implement safety initiatives. However, under President Donald Trump’s fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, these programs, along with 16 others, would be consolidated into a single $2 billion funding stream, leading to significant reductions.
——Article Continues Below——
The group warned that these changes could force states to prioritize other needs over essential mental health and safety resources for schools.
Proposed Budget Could Make Applying for School Safety Funding More Challenging
Under Trump’s budget plan, Project SERV would see its funding increased to $10 million within the new streamlined funding stream. These funds would be allocated at the discretion of the education secretary to assist schools and higher education institutions recovering from violent or traumatic events. However, moving the grant out of its usual home under the National School Safety Activities program raises concerns about accessibility and clarity in the application process. Schools may find it harder to apply for and secure these grants, adding another layer of complexity to recovery efforts.
The National School Safety Activities program, which currently receives $216 million in competitive grants, is also included in the proposed consolidated funding stream, drawing additional scrutiny from school leaders about its future efficacy.
Importance of Long-Term Support for Title II and Title IV
While Project SERV remains a vital stopgap during emergencies, principals emphasized that improving school safety requires sustained and targeted investment in mental health services and staff training. Programs under Title II and Title IV have been instrumental in addressing the root causes of violence and fostering positive school climates.
According to Education Week, many schools use Title II and IV funding to enhance mental health training for teachers, implement suicide prevention programs, and train staff on safety protocols. Reductions to these budgets could significantly hinder such efforts, leaving schools less equipped to prevent or respond to crises.
Related Article: Autism and Threat Assessment: What You Need to Know
The PRN’s advocacy efforts come as Congress prepares to review and approve the fiscal year 2026 budget, which will determine the future of these critical programs. As debates over funding priorities unfold, school leaders continue to urge policymakers to prioritize mental health, safety, and recovery resources for public schools across the nation.
The Education Department did not respond to requests for comment by Education Week regarding how it plans to implement changes to Project SERV.
