Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Homelessness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Emporia schools’ homeless liaison details McKinney‑Vento rights and local supports
Summary
Emporia Public Schools’ homeless liaison explained McKinney‑Vento responsibilities, said the district typically identifies 50–65 students a year as homeless, outlined signs staff should watch for and described supports such as the Spartan Stop pantry.
Heather Wagner, Emporia Public Schools’ homeless liaison, outlined district responsibilities under the McKinney‑Vento Homeless Assistance Act and described local services for students without stable housing.
"McKinney Vento is the federal guideline that requires all school districts to have a homeless liaison to help identify and serve homeless students," Wagner said, adding that Emporia typically identifies between 50 and 65 students each year as homeless. She defined homeless students as those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and listed examples such as shelters, motels, campgrounds, cars, parks and other non‑housing places.
Wagner told staff that the two largest local groups are children who are "doubled up" — living with another family because of economic hardship — and unaccompanied youth who are living without a parent or legal guardian. "Unaccompanied homeless youth are students living without the physical presence of a parent or legal guardian," she said, noting causes that can include a parent’s incarceration, illness or death and older students leaving home.
She urged school employees to look for practical signs that may indicate housing instability, including students who repeatedly wear the same clothes, have poor hygiene, lack weather‑appropriate shoes or clothing, or appear frequently hungry. "Sometimes, they will actually tell you," she added, advising that staff who suspect a student is struggling should speak with the school counselor or student support specialist so those staff can coordinate with the liaison.
Wagner outlined the tangible benefits tied to being identified as homeless: eligibility for free meals, assistance with enrollment and obtaining documents, waivers of school fees, help with clothing and basic necessities, guarantees of school‑of‑origin and, in some cases, transportation. She said transportation "depends on the circumstance." Wagner also described the Spartan Stop at Emporia High School, a needs pantry created to provide clothing, hygiene products, supplemental food, shoes and backpacks; through grants and community donations, similar assistance is offered districtwide.
She closed by thanking staff and asking the school community to help identify students in need. For follow‑up, she provided an email and phone contact for the district liaison.
