 Kentucky local homeless liaisons and school professionals pose with Zach Stumbo (center) after receiving the 2025 McKinney-Vento State Coordinator of the Year Award in Dallas, Texas, on Nov. 3, 2025. (Photo by Vanessa Waters, Tennessee State Coordinator)
2025 National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Conference
The 37th Annual National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) Conference took place Nov. 1-4 in Dallas, Texas, bringing together more than 3,000 professionals dedicated to supporting students experiencing homelessness.
This year’s theme, “United We Soar: Community, Collaboration & the Power of Partnerships,” highlighted the importance of collective action to ensure educational stability and success for vulnerable youth. More than 20 Kentucky liaisons and school professionals attended the conference.
Kentucky’s state homeless coordinator, Zach Stumbo, was honored as the 2025 McKinney-Vento State Coordinator of the Year. More information about this honor can be found in the KDE’s Zachary Stumbo earns national honor for homeless education efforts article on Kentucky Teacher.
The conference included nearly 100 breakout sessions, two of which were hosted by Kentucky professionals. Zach Stumbo presented strategies for supporting new local homeless liaisons. Bullitt County liaison Tiffany Reynolds presented strategies to increase McKinney-Vento awareness through effective training and outreach.
The conference sessions provided actionable strategies and renewed inspiration for educators and advocates nationwide. These insights will strengthen ongoing efforts to improve identification, increase graduation rates and expand resources for students experiencing homelessness in Kentucky.
 (Left to right) Jennifer White (KDE), Zach Stumbo (KDE), Tiffany Reynolds (Bullitt County), and Lindsey Shaughnessy (Bullitt County). Photo by Steve Smallwood (Bullitt County).
Bullitt County Hosts 24 Hour Experience for Homeless Student Awareness
Tiffany Reynolds, Bullitt County's local homeless liaison, hosted a 24-hour outdoor challenge on Nov. 27 to raise awareness for students experiencing homelessness in the district. The event went on despite the cold and wet weather conditions.
This was the second year for this event, which coincides with the National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The event theme, “Go Green for Good,” included free resources for food and hygiene products.
The event also included opportunities for professional learning. Perry Cooke, executive director of Mark 12 Ministries, discussed the services offered by his organization, such as a winter white-flag shelter, for families experiencing homelessness. Cindy Crawford, executive director of Sycamore Farm, spoke about new residential services soon to open in Bullitt County for women recovering from human trafficking and exploitation.
For more information about the event, read "24 hours of homeless student awareness" in the Spencer Magnet and watch "Bullitt County schools confront rising number of homeless students" on WDRB.
Covington Independent Liaison Named Finalist for National Transportation Award
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is proud to share that Lori Knochelmann, Covington Independent’s local homeless liaison, has been named a finalist in EverDriven’s inaugural Modern Student Transportation Awards. This national recognition spotlights district leaders who are advancing safe, reliable and inclusive transportation – especially for students experiencing housing instability.
Knochelmann's nomination reflects her on‑the‑ground leadership, unwavering advocacy and practical solutions that keep students connected to school with dignity and consistency. More information about the award is available in "EverDriven Announces Finalists for Inaugural Modern Student Transportation Awards" by Businesswire.
In addition to this honor, Knochelmann recently contributed transportation strategies featured in the second edition of Serving Students Who Are Homeless by Ronald E. Hallett and Linda Skrla (Teachers College Press, 2025). This contribution further elevates Kentucky’s voice in national best practices for students experiencing homelessness. Knochelmann's expertise strengthens our statewide efforts and offers actionable guidance to educators and liaisons across the country.
 Kentucky State Homeless Coordinator Zach Stumbo, Miss Kentucky 2025 Ariana Rodriguez, and Dee Thompson pose for a picture at a Spencer County High School event to bring awareness to students experiencing homelessness. (Photo by Whitney Beyer, Spencer County Schools)
Spencer County Celebrates McKinney-Vento Awareness with Miss Kentucky 2025
Miss Kentucky 2025, Ariana Rodriguez, spoke to high school students at an assembly at Spencer County High School on Oct. 10. This event was designed by local homeless liaison Dee Thompson to bring awareness to the school community about students experiencing homelessness and protections under the McKinney-Vento Act.
As a student, Miss Kentucky experienced both homelessness and life in the foster care system. She has made awareness about both issues a priority during public events.
While speaking to the students, Rodriguez noted her belief that hard times are temporary. She urged students to enjoy each day and share gratitude to parents and teachers.
“All we have at the end of life is how we treat people,” Rodriguez said.
For more information about the visit, read "SCHS hosts Miss Kentucky at assembly" by The Spencer Magnet.
Kentucky Assistive Technology Services (KATS) Network
The KATS Network, housed within the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, is one of 56 statewide programs funded under the Assistive Technology Act of 1998, reauthorized in 2022. Its vision is for Kentuckians with disabilities to have the assistive technology they need to maximize independence and reach their highest potential.
Assistive technology includes any item, low-tech or high-tech, designed to improve or maintain independence at home, work, school or play. Through five Regional Assistive Technology Resource Centers, KATS offers device demonstrations, lending libraries and reutilization programs, along with outreach, training and technical assistance to individuals and organizations.
To make assistive technology more accessible, Kentucky also offers financing and advocacy programs. The Kentucky Assistive Technology Loan Corporation provides low-interest loans for devices such as modified vehicles, hearing aids, adapted computers, and mobility aids, while partnering with the Appalachian Assistive Technology Loan Fund to offer zero-interest loans from $100 to $7,000. Protection and Advocacy programs ensure individuals receive the legal support needed to obtain assistive technology.
For more details on services and funding options, visit the KATS Network website and explore the funding section.
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