Trustees review first reading of policy on students experiencing homelessness; request language changes and site support ideas

Jan. 9, 2025 — The board received a first reading of proposed amendments to Board Policy 6173 and related administrative regulations covering services for students experiencing homelessness (McKinney-Vento). The updates were presented as required by recent federal program monitoring and align with California School Boards Association (CSBA) model language.

Trustee Cortezi thanked staff and recommended a consistent shift in language from "homeless children/youth" to "students experiencing homelessness," saying the change would treat homelessness as a condition rather than an identity. Staff confirmed they could make that wording change for the second reading and noted the policies were drawn from CSBA templates.

Trustees discussed operational details that could help students, including site-level clothing closets or pantries. Trustee Cortezi asked whether the administrative regulations could refer to a "homelessness support liaison" instead of "homeless liaison"; staff agreed to bring back revised language for the second reading. Another trustee noted the legal term McKinney-Vento remains applicable for programmatic and statutory references, and staff confirmed the CSBA wording uses "students experiencing homelessness."

The item was a first reading; no adoption occurred. Trustees asked staff to return with amended wording in the second reading and indicated interest in exploring site-based clothing supports to reduce stigma and barriers to school attendance.

Ending The board took no final action; staff will prepare revised documents for a second reading that incorporate the requested terminology and administrative clarifications.