In a joint announcement today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28), and the U.S. Department of Education revealed a significant investment of $3,999,984 for the Region One Education Service Center. This funding, dispersed over five years, aims to bolster the academic well-being and success of public school students in South Texas.
The grant, made possible through the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program, will focus on implementing strategies that integrate social-emotional learning, mental health support, and trauma-informed practices in education. The initiative is set to benefit several educational institutions, including Nuestra Clinica Del Valle, Jim Hogg County ISD, San Isidro ISD, Webb Consolidated ISD, and Zapata County ISD.
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, a senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee, extended congratulations to the Region One Education Service Center for securing the substantial grant. He expressed confidence that these federal funds would play a crucial role in ensuring the success of children and families in high-need communities. Congressman Cuellar affirmed his commitment to advocating for public schools, acknowledging the collaborative efforts with Region One ESC Executive Director Dr. Daniel P. King.
Dr. Daniel P. King, Executive Director of Region One ESC, emphasized the grant's significance in implementing social-emotional education for students in small, rural districts within Region One. He highlighted the strong evidence supporting the positive impact of well-designed social-emotional learning on student health, wellness, school climate, and culture. Dr. King underscored the potential for these interventions to enhance academic outcomes for South Texas students, expressing gratitude for the collaboration that led to the successful grant application.