Board hears district now counts about 400 homeless students; staff point to McKinney‑Vento supports and family‑support services

Board members asked district staff about student absenteeism and homelessness during the Aug. 28 meeting. Maria Massaro and other staff said the district’s current count of students qualifying as homeless under applicable definitions is approximately 400 students. "We have 400 as of today, we have 400 homeless students," Massaro said during the meeting.

District leaders said they provide supports through the family support center at Bond, free breakfast and lunch for all students, clothing closets, food pantries, backpack programs and bed programs with local partners. Rick Granieri said the family support center conducted about 657 unduplicated interventions last year and that the district is pursuing McKinney‑Vento resources; staff said they submitted a $125,000 McKinney‑Vento grant application that has not yet been received.

The board asked whether the homeless tally includes students doubled up with family and whether social services assistance is available; staff said the McKinney‑Vento definition does include "doubling up" and that many families are temporarily staying in hotels in the area. The superintendent noted a planned meeting with the county Department of Social Services on Sept. 25 to coordinate supports.

Why it matters: the number of students without stable housing affects attendance, academic supports and resource allocation. Board members flagged the scale of the need and asked for comparative data from similar districts; the superintendent said he would compile comparative figures for a future meeting. District staff emphasized that meeting basic needs — shelter, food, clothing and bedding — is central to improving educational access and outcomes.