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Grand Island Public Schools reports 348 students identified with unstable housing; district expands support under McKinney‑Vento
Summary
District staff updated the board on Families in Transition (FIT) services for students experiencing housing instability under the McKinney‑Vento Act, reporting 348 unique students identified, the most common circumstance being doubled-up housing, and naming access to affordable housing as the program’s largest barrier.
Grand Island Public Schools staff briefed the Board of Education on the district’s Families in Transition (FIT) program and its work under the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
"So far we have identified 348 unique students that have unstable housing," said Christine Ostermeyer, the district’s FIT coordinator. She told the board that 81% of those students were doubled up with family or friends, 27 had resided in a shelter program and 45 did not live with a legal guardian.
Ostermeyer explained the district uses the McKinney‑Vento definition of homelessness — lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence — which includes doubled-up arrangements, motels used as long-term housing and unaccompanied youth. She said district staff provide identification training to all building staff and follow with casework to determine a student’s eligibility and educational best interest.
Ostermeyer described associated supports the district offers, including targeted case management and select transportation assistance to preserve school stability. The program also coordinates with building social workers and counselors and leverages community partners for services. "Stability for students impacts them as students now and in their future," she said, summarizing why the district invests in FIT services.
At the board’s request, Ostermeyer supplied additional program data: 65% of students in the FIT program also receive English‑learner services and 8% have individualized education programs. She also said 58% of FIT students had zero discipline referrals in the period reviewed. When board member Carl Barcinas asked about the program’s biggest barrier, Ostermeyer said, "Access to affordable housing — and housing large enough for family size — is by far the biggest barrier."
Board members asked about data trends and collection under the district’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); Ostermeyer said the district no longer collects traditional free-and‑reduced lunch applications and that a prior year figure (about 74%) reflected an earlier reporting method, while about 70% of students qualified through direct certification methods (SNAP, Medicaid, foster care). She said district staff will track alternate income-form submissions and year-to-year data to provide better trend information.
Ostermeyer outlined program goals: continue staff education on McKinney‑Vento, identify and support students to improve school stability and expand community partnerships to reduce stigma and increase capacity for services.
