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District highlights $895,000 Project AWARE grant, safe-room work and library enrichment funding
Summary
Dr. Pacino told the board that the district’s Project AWARE grant totaled $895,000 this year and that each of the three high schools received $20,000–$25,000 for new library ‘safe spaces.’ He also said safe-room construction at Richcrest has begun and thanked local foundations for auditorium remodels.
Dr. Pacino told the Lawton Public Schools Board of Education on June 2 that the district’s Project AWARE grant this year totaled $895,000 and supported counseling and student-wellbeing initiatives districtwide.
Pacino said Project AWARE provided $20,000 to $25,000 to each of the district’s three high schools to create library spaces for study, reading and homework, describing the furniture and layout as resembling a collegiate study area. He said Lawton Public Schools is one of three districts in the state to initiate Project AWARE and credited Dana Bross and her team for training staff from other districts.
On safety infrastructure, Pacino reported that safe-room construction at Richcrest is starting and said the district would seek public feedback if it advances a future bond measure that could expand safe rooms to secondary schools. He said the superintendent’s teacher advisory committee could be used to gather site-level needs if the district pursues that path.
Pacino noted other revenue and community support sources, including the McMahon Foundation, local donors and the Lawton Public School Foundation (LITA), and referenced auditorium remodels supported by private philanthropy. He described Project AWARE as a support program and safe-space initiative rather than a permanent substitute for counseling services.
Board members acknowledged the grant-funded library improvements and the district’s outreach to partner organizations. The presentation was informational; no board action was required.
