McKinney-Vento Competitive Subgrants Awarded
As authorized under Title IX, Part A of ESSA: Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program, the Kentucky Department of Education's (KDE's) Office of Continuous Improvement and Support has issued a Request for Applications (RFA) from local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop and implement programs that facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youth in school. This competitive subgrant may be used to provide temporary, special and supplementary services to meet the unique needs of homeless children and youth.
This is a three-year subgrant with an initial award year in 2024-2025 and will be reassessed in 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Awards were based on the availability of funds and progress toward goals.
For more information about future McKinney-Vento grant competitions, please visit the KDE Competitive Grants webpage.
Following the competitive grant cycle, 10 districts were selected by a team of independent reviewers to receive McKinney-Vento subgrants for the next three school years. The districts are Bath County, Campbell County, Covington Independent, Dayton Independent (consortium with Bellevue Independent and Southgate Independent), Jefferson County, Jessamine County, Newport Independent, Paducah Independent (consortium with McCracken County) and Spencer County.
KDE wishes to welcome Bath County, Jessamine County and Spencer County with a warm greeting as they are new recipients of the award.
Director of Federal Programs from Bath County, Emily Barber, expressed her gratitude for the grant.
"This funding will allow us to make a profound difference in the lives of our homeless students, providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally," she said.
Local homeless liaison for Jessamine County, Shainey Marcus said the district is honored to be selected.
"As an honored recipient of the McKinney-Vento grant, we are thrilled to provide a continuation of direct services to our identified students and families," said Marcus. "This grant makes it possible to provide extra academic case management and services to McKinney-Vento students. We are very excited to continue the work we do with our McKinney-Vento students and families. Grant funds allow us to provide more academic services, enrollment and identification along with extra attendance support that would not be possible without these funds.”
A Visit to Jefferson County Public Schools’ Clothing Assistance Program
State homeless coordinator Zach Stumbo was invited to visit the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Clothing Assistance Program (CAP) which is a partnership between the district and the 15th District Parent Teacher Association.
The invitation was extended by the local homeless liaison, Giselle Danger, and Justin Willis who oversees the program. JCPS families who need assistance with clothing are eligible to receive items twice each year through the Clothing Assistance Program. Each student enrolled at JCPS is eligible to receive multiple new clothing items and McKinney-Vento students are eligible for twice the amount of clothing resources.
The Clothing Assistance Program recently opened a new location on 14th St. West in Louisville. The program serves infants through adults. Many of the items are new and come from local corporate donors.
All requests must be scheduled in advance through a JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC).
The Clothing Assistance Program also provides families with vouchers for students to receive an eye exam, new lenses, and new frames. To acquire a voucher for an eye exam and new glasses, contact the FRYSC at a local school.
Willis expressed a current need for donations of new or gently used children’s clothing, especially pants.
To donate clothing and accessories or to volunteer, call (502) 485-7062.
 Justin Willis from the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Clothing Assistance Program is pictured with donations of undergarments for JCPS students. Willis estimated the stock would meet approximately two-thirds of their annual need. Photo by Zach Stumbo, Kentucky Department of Education
New FAQ Covering the Waiver of School Fees Now Available from KDE
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is pleased to provide a new resource online, Frequently Asked Questions on 702 KAR 3:220 (Waiver of School Fees) and McKinney-Vento Subgrant Funds.
Please share this document with relevant leadership in your district. The FAQs specifically mention the McKinney-Vento competitive subgrant; however, those guidelines also inform the policies and regulations for the Title-I Part A Homeless Set Aside, and the American Rescue Plan: Homeless Children and Youth funds.
The McKinney-Vento Subgrant Funds, authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, are designated to supplement, not supplant, a student's regular academic program. These funds provide additional resources to support the success of students experiencing homelessness. This regulation applies to all districts; it is not dependent on receiving a competitive McKinney-Vento subgrant. For specific questions, please email Zach Stumbo.
Local liaisons and those who work with students experiencing homelessness are encouraged to review 702 KAR 3:220, established by the KRS 160.330. This mandates local school districts to implement a process for waiving applicable fees for students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches. This regulation safeguards against financial barriers hindering student participation in essential educational activities. Local policies should be in compliance with this regulation. The fee waiver requirement of 702 KAR 3:220 applies to all students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, regardless of a district's participation in the McKinney-Vento Subgrant program.
We encourage collaboration with school administrators to ensure a clear process is established for identifying eligible students and waiving applicable fees. McKinney-Vento funds should be strategically used to enhance a student's educational experience.
 Persistence to Graduation
State Coordinator Zach Stumbo presented at the Persistence to Graduation Summit in Lexington on June 11, 2024.
Zach’s presentation focused on ways to support students experiencing homelessness transitioning from high school into post-secondary life. The information presented included updates to the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), which is undergoing a multi-year revision.
Additionally, the presentation included information about specific rights homeless students and unaccompanied youth have according to the McKinney-Vento Act regarding FAFSA and post-secondary support.
|
