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Family‑engagement staff outlines McKinney‑Vento supports, rapid rehousing and new resiliency coach volunteer training
Summary
District family‑engagement staff reviewed McKinney‑Vento requirements, reported 57 students identified as families in transition, described rapid rehousing applications and said the state’s new resilient‑coach training offers a $150 stipend administered through a state grant.
The family community engagement coordinator presented the district's McKinney‑Vento program at the Feb. 27 workshop, outlining enrollment protections, barriers the district must remove and support services available to students identified as families in transition.
On federal requirements, the coordinator said the McKinney‑Vento Act "is a federal law that helps ensure our homeless children and youth have access to free and appropriate, public education." She said the district must keep students at their school of origin when it is in the parent's preference and in the student's best interest, and must provide a written explanation and appeal process if the district concludes otherwise.
The coordinator explained enrollment protections: students identified under McKinney‑Vento must be enrolled immediately even if they lack typical documentation. She said the district had identified 57 students this year as families in transition. Staff are posting information and flyers at school front offices and community locations to raise awareness.
On supports, the coordinator said the district has ordered up to $20,000 in uniforms pending finance approval, distributes donated hygiene kits and runs partnerships for food pantries. She said the rapid rehousing program, coordinated by Miss Alma Venezi, has had four applications this year and two in process; the program can assist families with deposits and housing payments.
The coordinator described the Florida Department of Education’s resiliency coach initiative: a four‑module online training plus a four‑hour practicum, standardized around 11 resiliency characteristics. She said local volunteers who complete the state requirements may receive a $150 stipend administered through a state grant (not district funds) and routed through USF; the district will send completed names to the state for stipend payment. She added that district employees cannot participate in the stipend program but will have separate training available.
Board members asked logistical questions about enrollment timing and volunteer participation; the coordinator said identification and services are available year‑round and that a student remains McKinney‑Vento for the school year after identification.
Ending: The coordinator said the presentation would be posted on the Family Community Engagement website and that staff will continue to expand partner MOUs and community resource fairs to connect families to food, clothing and housing assistance.
