STOP School Violence Grant awarded to Greeley-Evans School District 6

Greeley-Evans School District 6 has been informed it will receive a $810,000 STOP School Violence Grant from the United States Department of Justice.

The STOP Grant will fund two new positions in District 6 for three years: Restorative Practices Coordinator and Threat Assessment Coordinator. District 6 will provide approximately $200,000 in matching funds for this grant.

“We are thrilled to have been awarded the Department of Justice STOP grant in District 6. This significant award means we can expand our early intervention work with Restorative Justice practices district-wide,” said Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Pilch. “We will also be able to intervene earlier and more effectively with youth who may be struggling with behavioral health concerns.”

The Threat Assessment Coordinator will play a crucial role in identifying and addressing potential risks before they escalate, helping to create a secure environment where students can focus on learning. The Restorative Practices Coordinator will bring a compassionate approach to conflict resolution, helping students learn from mistakes and repair relationships rather than just facing punitive measures.

“These two positions are necessary in a school district of our size,” said District 6 Chief of Safety and Security Wade Corliss. “They are both essential in not only preventing threats, but to support the social and emotional needs of students and staff to improve the climate and culture of our schools. This also helps the district comply with the Safe Schools Act. We really are focused on identifying what students are struggling with and getting support and interventions for them.”

 According to the Department of Justice, the STOP School Violence Program is designed to improve school safety by providing students, teachers and staff with the tools they need to recognize, respond quickly to and prevent acts of violence.

“I am so proud of our Safety and Security team who have worked diligently to ensure we have the necessary interventions and training in place to maintain student and staff safety,” Dr. Pilch said. “This is just one more piece of a comprehensive plan for district safety and security.”

District 6 applied for the STOP grant with the help of a grant writer provided by the Greenlights Grant Initiative, a non-profit that helps public schools apply for grants.