The Brookhaven School District will soon be able to apply forassistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, followinga Tuesday board vote.

The board of trustees approved a proclamation that will allowthe district to file claims with FEMA for damage caused byHurricane Katrina.

A resolution also was approved to cover the purchase of goodsand services.

“It simply allows this district to go forward with any suppliesthat we might need to purchase,” Superintendent Lea Barrettsaid.

Barrett said the district already has had to pay for repair workat schools that received damage as well as purchase some new desks.The district has taken in displaced students since thehurricane.

“Our community was overwhelming in helping us with thosestudents and making sure they go to school,” Barrett said.

She mentioned a number of groups and individuals who donatedschool supplies, book bags and even eye screenings and glasses fordisplaced students.

“We appreciate everyone’s donations,” said Barrett.

Barrett also read a memo from state Superintendent Dr. HankBounds thanking the Brookhaven School District for sendingcounselors to the Mississippi coast to counsel students afterHurricane Katrina.

Later this week, two school district employees will travel tothe coast to help schools with technological needs as they prepareto reopen.