Payson Schools wins $80,000 homeless grant

The Payson Unified School District (PUSD) is pleased to announce receipt of an $80,000 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Sub-grant. The McKinney-Vento grant is a federally-funded project awarded by the Arizona State Board of Education through a competitive grant process.

Superintendent Casey O’Brien notes, “This was a very competitive grant. There were 65 applicants. We were one of only 19 school districts selected. The success of our program last school year was undoubtedly a significant factor in being able to submit a very strong proposal. Kudos to the hard work and dedication of our homeless liaisons: Blanche Oakland and Allic Bales, along with Susan Campbell, who coordinates our efforts at the district level.”

Last school year Payson Schools reported 365 homeless students on a day-to-day basis. So far in the 2010-2011 school year, 409 displaced students are enrolled in Payson Schools, 15.5 percent of the total school population. Ninety-one percent of these students and their families are doubled up with relatives or friends due to economic hardship. Eight percent are sheltered and 1 percent is unsheltered.

Payson Schools Food Service reports that 62 percent of students are eligible for free or reduced meals, the highest ever for PUSD. Homeless students are automatically eligible for free meals. Many students living in single-family homes, while not classified as homeless, are economically disadvantaged and qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch as well.

Displaced or disadvantaged students have tremendous needs ranging from pencils to prom dresses, shoes to shampoo, food to football fees and dental care to doctor visits. The grant funds the purchase of school supplies, clothing, shoes and hygiene supplies to homeless students in the absence of other funding. It also pays fees for students who want to participate in sports, music and other after-school programs.

Part of the McKinney-Vento funding allows the district to employ a Homeless Advocate. The Homeless Advocate meets with students and families that have been identified at enrollment as homeless under McKinney-Vento guidelines. She advises them of their rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, refers them to services and provides material needs.

Homeless students are expected to master the same challenging academic standards as non-homeless students, but without extra help, they rarely do so. To this end the grant will pay for after-school tutoring, intersession programs and summer school in grades K-8.

Older homeless students are expected to graduate on time with their peers. Research shows that homeless high school students have a hard time meeting graduation requirements and keeping up with their high school graduating class without intervention. Payson High School will pilot a credit recovery project in grades 9-12 with grant funding.

Despite the McKinney-Vento funding, Payson Schools cannot meet all the needs of such a large homeless population. PUSD has been fortunate that dozens of partner organizations and individuals have helped our homeless students and families. They have donated cash, school supplies, weekly dinners, medical and dental care, eyeglasses, food, haircuts, clothing and shelter. The urgent needs of displaced and disadvantaged students have put pressure on these organizations and their resources. Superintendent O’Brien encourages community members to support our partner organizations so that they can continue providing the services needed by homeless children.

For more information about Homeless Services at Payson Schools, contact the District Office at 474-2070.