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Johnson City Schools introduces homeless education coordinator and expands family resource services

Johnson City Board of Education · December 2, 2025
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Summary

Lauren McGrew was introduced as the district’s new Homeless Education Program coordinator and family resource center manager; she outlined McKinney-Vento protections, reported 122 known homeless students locally, described transportation supports (two program vans) and said the family resource center has helped 181 students and relies on donations and federal funds for limited uses.

Lauren McGrew, newly hired as Johnson City Schools’ Homeless Education Program coordinator and manager of the district’s Family Resource Center, described services the district offers to students experiencing homelessness and how the program connects families with community supports.

McGrew told the board that, under McKinney-Vento federal law, homelessness can include doubled-up arrangements, motel stays and other situations that lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. She said the recent Johnson City point-in-time count showed “over 900” unhoused people across Northeast Tennessee and that she currently has 122 homeless students on her caseload, a number she said is likely an undercount.

The program provides transportation when needed: McGrew said the homeless education program operates two vans to transport students to and from school and can coordinate with contracted drivers and school bus services when required. Federal funds help cover transportation and some school-supply needs, but McGrew said federal dollars cannot be used for rent or utilities, so the district relies on donations for some immediate family needs. The Family Resource Center—housed in Central Office—runs a food pantry, keeps clothing and school supplies, and manages community donations; McGrew said the center has helped 181 students to date and that the district is adding an online donation link to make community support easier.

McGrew also offered a recent success story of a family who fled domestic violence and received assistance with mattresses, bedding and food through community partners. She provided contact information for her office and encouraged direct contact for referrals.

Board members asked about coordination with city homeless coordinators, funding oversight and liability for drivers; McGrew and finance staff described shared tracking of federal funds, a donations log managed with finance staff, and required proof of insurance and licensure for drivers who transport students in the program.