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GIPS presents FIT program data as district identifies 360 students experiencing housing instability
Summary
Grand Island Public Schools told the board on May 14 that 360 students were identified this year under McKinney‑Vento criteria; staff described supports, funding shifts (McKinney‑Vento down from $89,000 to $61,000) and partnerships to reduce barriers for students experiencing unstable housing.
A district presentation to the Grand Island Public Schools Board on May 14 detailed the FIT (family and student support) program’s work identifying and supporting students experiencing housing instability, with staff reporting 360 students identified under McKinney‑Vento criteria this school year.
The FIT coordinator, identified in the presentation as Christine, told the board that those 360 students include a high share of families who are "doubled up" and that 80 students were identified as not living with a legal guardian. Christine said the district’s figures change frequently as family situations evolve and that identification has improved this year: "approximately 20 more students than last year were identified," she said during the Q&A.
Christine described the district’s identification and response process: annual training for all staff, additional training for front‑office staff who enroll students, rapid enrollment and intake at the Welcome Center, and case work with school‑based social workers and counselors to meet student needs such as transportation, special‑education coordination and access to activities.
She listed local partnerships and services that support families, including coordination with the Nebraska Balance of State Continuum of Care and a local bed program run by "Ken's Appliances," which provides beds for students during housing transitions. The presentation also highlighted the district’s use of targeted resources — including gift cards for gas, clothing and home goods for families — that were supported in part by ESSER grants and McKinney‑Vento funding.
On funding, the presenter told the board that the district had earlier used ESSER COVID funds to create a more prescriptive set of supports; however, she said McKinney‑Vento funding "was $89,000 last year and it's $61,000 this year," and added that state funds were reduced. The presenter noted that Title funding pays for some staff roles (including the FIT coordinator) and that the foundation and donations also help bridge gaps.
Board members asked for trend data. Board member Mr. Garcia Mendes asked whether multi‑year figures were available by category (e.g., doubled up, unaccompanied youth); Christine said the district saw slow, steady growth in identified students and a notable increase in unaccompanied youth this year, attributing some of that rise to improved identification and, in part, to migration patterns where students remain in the U.S. while parents are abroad. "That number did pretty significantly increase this school year," she said.
The board discussed outreach and stigma as barriers to self‑identification. Christine said families can self‑identify during enrollment and that some families avoid identification for fear it will affect a renter or homeowner; she and board members said continued outreach and clear communication about supports are priorities.
The presentation closed with examples of student outcomes: staff recounted graduates who overcame housing instability, including a student who raised a sibling while working and finishing high school, and another who couch‑surfed but graduated. The presenter said those stories underscore the program’s role in helping students remain on track.
Next steps: the FIT presentation was informational; board members asked for additional trend data over multiple years and continued updates on funding stability and outreach plans.
