Board approves MOU to pursue $500,000 housing‑stability grant for McKinney‑Vento families

The Citrus County School Board voted on Sept. 9 to authorize staff to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Citrus County Education Foundation and the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners to pursue a federal 'Housing Stability for School Children' grant.

Susie Swain introduced the item as an added‑for‑good‑cause agenda entry. Michelle Moore Cassidy, the district’s McKinney‑Vento liaison, described the referral process and said the grant would serve McKinney‑Vento families already identified by the district. Michelle Alford, housing services director for the county, said the grant would supply $500,000 over two years and is expected to assist a minimum of 25 families; she said only three counties statewide will be selected under this competitive program implemented through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation.

Under the proposed arrangement, the district’s role would be to continue McKinney‑Vento identifications and referrals and to provide progress monitoring data; the Education Foundation would provide targeted case management and monthly home visits for families that receive housing assistance; housing services would administer vouchers and program compliance. Staff emphasized the district would not be asked to do work beyond current McKinney‑Vento responsibilities if the grant is awarded.

A board member moved and the motion carried by voice vote to approve the MOU and allow district staff to apply for the grant. Proponents described the award as a potentially transformative local partnership to help families stabilize housing and, thereby, student educational outcomes.

If awarded, staff and partners said they would formalize roles and responsibilities in subsequent interagency agreements and ensure program oversight.