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Disaster Recovery Unit

In late 2018, a new unit within the Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) — the Disaster Recovery Unit (DRU) — was created to spearhead disaster recovery work across the United States Department of Education (Department). The DRU will support all school community stakeholders affected by Federally declared natural disasters across the K-12 and higher education spectrum. Additionally, the DRU will manage interagency work to support natural disaster recovery (aimed at ensuring a better coordinated response to impacted areas across the feds). The four grant programs managed by the DRU: Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students (EIA); Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations (Restart); Assistance for Homeless Children and Youth (ACHY); and Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV). The DRU manages the part of Project SERV that is in response to natural disasters. Grants in support of response to school and community violence are still managed by the Department's Office of Safe and Supportive Schools.

Disaster Recovery for State Education Agency Emergency Staff

Recording | PowerPoint

This presentation provides an overview of the DRU's purpose and programs. Additionally, the presentation highlights the Department's framework for supporting State education agencies and local educational agencies during periods of response and recovery and includes an overview of available technical assistance and financial resources to support recovery.

Contact Information
Meredith MillerDirectorMeredith.Miller@ed.gov1-202-987-1658
Molly BudmanTeam LeadMolly.Budman@ed.gov1-202-304-0345
Christina ChapotonResponse and Recovery CoordinatorChristina.Chapoton@ed.gov1-202-710-2930
Maria RowanProject SERV LeadMaria.Rowan@ed.gov1-202-987-1633
For DRU general inquiries, please email: DisasterRecoveryUnit@ed.gov
See Also
Natural Disaster Resources

Information on the various resources ED has for those affected by natural disasters.

National Center on Homeless Education

Technical assistance and information center for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program.

Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools

Resources and training for emergency management in schools.

SAMSHA's Disaster Distress Helpline

The Department of Health and Human Services' first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling.

Immediate Aid to Restart School Operations

The Immediate Aid to Restart Operations (Restart) program provides funding for eligible SEAs to help defray costs related to restarting operations.

Project SERV

Project SERV provides short-term funds for education-related services to LEAs in response to a major natural disaster.

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
Page Last Reviewed:
September 30, 2024