Washington, D.C. - Congressman Rick Larsen announced today that Northwest Educational Service District (ESD) 189 has been selected to receive $612,966.00 under the Drug and Violence Prevention Coordinators for Middle Schools Program.  The funding will be provided over the next two school years (10/01/2001 through 09/03/2003) as part of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program.

“Our children must have a safe and secure environment for learning,” Larsen said.  “We owe it to our kids to provide with safe and drug-free schools,” he said.

The Northwest ESD #189 will help the 35 school districts in their region ensure their middle schools are safe and drug-free.  Specifically, the grant will enable schools to recruit, hire and train full-time drug prevention and school safety personnel; train teachers, staff and community leaders to provide a safe and drug-free environment and meet students’ needs; work with parents and students to increase their involvement in drug prevention and school safety.

Larsen added, “Fear can have a long-lasting effect on students and their ability to learn.  In the long run, fear is far more costly than any prevention program.  Our schools must be safe places for learning.”

Northwest ESD 189 serves 35 school districts in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.  Northwest ESD 189 is one of nine educational service districts in Washington state that provides administrative and instructional support services to public school districts.