District outlines McKinney‑Vento supports, training and referrals for homeless students

District staff briefed the board on the Waynesville School District’s homeless and transitional living program, describing how the district implements McKinney‑Vento obligations and coordinates supports for students experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Washington and Lucas Smith, the district coordinator of alternative programs, told the board the program follows federal McKinney‑Vento requirements for students lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes immediate enrollment without documentation once a family is identified through the referral process. Staff said examples of qualifying situations include doubled-up housing, motels, campgrounds and shelters, and noted that both unaccompanied youth and families may qualify.

Support services described: the district provides expedited enrollment, free and reduced-price lunch enrollment as appropriate, school supplies, hygiene products and referrals to local shelters and community agencies. Smith said the district will conduct staff training at the start of the school year to help staff recognize homelessness and use the referral process, and plans a parent community resource night in the first quarter.

Board questions: a board member asked who authorizes mental-health or medical care for homeless students without guardians; staff responded they provide resource contacts and connect families with community providers rather than directly authorizing medical or clinical services.

Why it matters: McKinney‑Vento obligations affect students’ access to education and associated services; the district’s training and referral plans aim to reduce barriers to enrollment and continuity of instruction.

Next steps: staff will host training for district personnel, run the parent resource night later in the fall, and continue coordinating with community service providers to support identified families.