WASHINGTON — The Hawai`i Education Department has received a grant of $747,978 to improve its emergency-management plan, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings announced today.

The grant is among $24 million awarded to 92 school districts in 34 states.

"Nothing is more important to Americans than the safety of their children," Spellings said. "These grants will support that effort by helping more school districts strengthen their crisis planning and better coordinate with the entire community to ensure the safety of our schools and students."

The money can be used for coordination with local emergency responders, including fire, police and health agencies; conduct drills and exercises; buy supplies and equipment, and train people on emergency-response procedures.