Student delegates and Migrant Education PAC outline supports for mobile learners and scholarship for homeless students

Student delegates and representatives of the Migrant Education Parent Advisory Council used Tuesday’s board meeting to highlight supports for mobile learners and propose program expansions.

Student delegates described outreach they received on juvenile crime prevention and said student leaders plan to present a proclamation supporting youth civic action on gun control at an upcoming board meeting. "It is striking to see the rapid mobilization of students in response to recent events," one student delegate said, announcing plans for a March 13 Board of Education proclamation.

Representatives of the Migrant Education program explained that a child is eligible for services if a parent, guardian or the child is a migrant agricultural worker or fisher and the family has moved within the past 36 months for temporary or seasonal work. The presenters listed services including school readiness, parent workshops, case management for out-of-school youth (ages 14–22), mentoring and academic interventions. A staff member told commissioners that program enrollment has declined in recent years and that the packet distributed before the meeting shows approximately 245 students currently receiving services.

Presenters asked the board to support continued funding and to expand laptop loan programs for middle and high school migrant students. Board members asked clarifying questions about eligibility under Title I, Part C and about district practices when students reach the three-year eligibility limit.