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MCPS reports sharp rise in students experiencing housing instability; board presses for staffing, training and interagency coordination
Summary
MCPS presenters told the committee McKinney‑Vento identification has increased sharply (presenters reported a 68% rise FY23–FY25 and said about 1,300 students are identified), and described outreach, a cab pilot for transportation, limited grant funding and the need for more dedicated staff and cross‑agency 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"…
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