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August 6, 2024 Board Meeting
Agenda Item 8.
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| | | | | | | | Title
APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SCHOOLHOUSE LINK / SAFE CHILDREN COALITION AND THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA TO SUPPORT HOMELESS EDUCATION SERVICES FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Description
The Interagency Agreement delineates the relationship and responsibilities shared between the Schoolhouse Link / Safe Children Coalition and the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida to provide services for homeless children and youth and families throughout Sarasota County.
Gap Analysis
In Sarasota County McKinney-Vento services (McKinney-Vento Act of 1987 as last amended by Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015) are provided through the Schoolhouse Link program, a partnership between the Safe Children Coalition, Inc. and the Sarasota County School Board. The McKinney-Vento Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to a lack of housing, does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Schoolhouse Link / Safe Children Coalition serves as the district’s official “homeless liaison” and operates as an advocate helping students in transition attend and succeed in school. In addition, the program provides support to the entire family by linking them with essential service providers and community resources. are provided to students in residential transition to help them enroll, attend and/or succeed in school. This agreement allows for 3.5 district funded staff to enact these services.
Previous Outcomes
The Interagency Agreement between Schoolhouse Link / Safe Children Coalition, Inc., and The School Board of Sarasota County has been in effect since July 1, 2010. Over 350 families are served and supported annually.
Expected Outcomes
This partnership enables staff to support and serve homeless students and families to:
- enroll and attend school no matter where they live or how long they have lived there
- have access to the same public education provided to housed children.
- enroll in school and attend classes while required documentation is being gathered
- receive free lunch
- maintain stability at the school of origin through transportation
Strategic Plan Goal
Pillar 2 - Every Student Supported
Priority 2.2 - Respond to Student Needs
Recommendation
That the Interagency Agreement between Schoolhouse Link / Safe Children Coalition and the School Board of Sarasota County, be approved as presented.
Contact Information
AMANDA COKER amanda.coker@sarasotacountyschools.net
DEBRA GIACOLONE debra.giacolone@sarasotacountyschools.net
KIRK HUTCHINSON kirk.hutchinson@sarasotacountyschools.net
RACHAEL O'DEA rachael.o'dea@sarasotacountyschools.net
Financial Impact
$118,000
Funding Source: Title IX
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| ATTACHMENTS: | | Description | Upload Date | Type | | Agreement | 7/15/2024 | Cover Memo |
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