MCPS reports sharp rise in students experiencing housing instability; board presses for staffing, training and interagency coordination

Montgomery County Public Schools officials on Sept. 29 told the Committee on Special Populations that the district has stepped up identification and supports for McKinney‑Vento students (students who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence), but that enrollment and service needs have grown faster than available staff and funding.

Margarita Borges, MCPS McKinney‑Vento liaison and director of international admissions and enrollment, said McKinney‑Vento is federal law and "the main goal of this act is to remove all barriers and ensure that these students have equal access to education." She explained the law’s definition (including sheltered, motel/hotel, doubled‑up or couch‑surfing situations) and said the district now uses terms such as "unstably housed" to avoid stigma.

Borges reported a 68% increase in McKinney‑Vento enrollment from FY23 to FY25 and said the district currently has "a little over 1,300" students identified; she attributed part of the increase to more intentional identification as well as economic pressures. Staff maintain a demographics dashboard disaggregated by race, language, special education status and school, which they update monthly and share with schools and community partners.

Steve Neff, director of student support and attendance services, described the role of pupil personnel workers (PPWs) as the on‑the‑ground point people who coordinate services, help determine the school of origin in best‑interest meetings, and arrange transportation. Borges and Neff said the district requires immediate enrollment (48 hours) for eligible students and has launched a pilot cab program to provide rides for families to IEP meetings, screenings and critical appointments.

On postsecondary supports, Borges said MCPS has been increasing college and career readiness work for older McKinney‑Vento students, helping with FAFSA verification and outreach to seniors; she noted that Maryland provides a tuition waiver for homeless youth covering in‑state tuition and mandatory fees for up to 10 years after enrollment or until degree completion.

On funding and staffing, Borges said MCPS receives a modest annual McKinney‑Vento grant "about $150,000 a year" and that last year the office received $246,000 from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). She noted federal guidance supports a full‑time dedicated McKinney‑Vento professional, but that the MCPS McKinney‑Vento team currently includes five staff who dedicate parts of their time and one TPT staff member working approximately 30 hours per week on demographics, transportation and meal arrangements.

Board members asked how the district coordinates with county Health and Human Services when families are placed in out‑of‑area shelters, and called for expanded training for school staff, wellness centers, bus drivers and community partners so that adults who interact with students can identify needs and make appropriate referrals. Members also requested a prioritized list of staffing and program needs for the upcoming budget season and suggested better mechanisms to flag possible McKinney‑Vento eligibility when families file change‑of‑school assignment requests.

Borges said the office has developed translated brochures and posters (top seven languages) and conducts regular office hours, monthly PPW meetings and a youth‑focused virtual resource fair; she asked the committee for help identifying budget priorities and additional interagency collaboration to reduce disruptions when families are placed far from their home communities.

The committee asked staff to return with a clear priority list for budget consideration and to explore joint meetings with county HHS and other partners to coordinate placement and services.