LYNN — The school district was awarded $85,000 from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to support students who are classified as homeless.
This funding was part of $1.7 million in federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grants the administration announced last week for 47 school districts throughout the state and is part of an annual program in which the school district receives assistance.
“We are grateful for the continued support provided through this grant that assists us in meeting the needs of a growing number of homeless students in our district,” Superintendent of Schools Evonne Alvarez said.
As of 2023, it was reported that approximately 10%, or 1,700 of the district’s students are classified as homeless. The district recognizes homeless students as those lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.
The funding will primarily help the district provide support services and family engagement through its homeless education liaison.
Secretary of Education and former Lynn Public Schools Superintendent Patrick Tutwiler said in a statement that he was grateful to the federal government for the grant funding that “complements” the state’s efforts to provide school districts with resources for students to succeed.
“Students experiencing homelessness have the right to the same free public education as every other student in Massachusetts,” Tutwiler said.
“Local school districts play an important role in supporting students and families experiencing homelessness – providing children with a high-quality education, free breakfast and lunch, connecting them with community resources, and so much more,” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said.
