Copy
A message from the
Massachusetts Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education

January 5, 2018
View this email in your browser
Press Release banner/logo.
For immediate release
Friday, January 5, 2018
Contact: Jacqueline Reis 781-338-3115   
   
 
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $60,000 in McKinney-Vento Homeless Emergency Support Grants to Help Students Arriving from Puerto Rico

MALDEN – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $60,000 in federally-funded, competitive McKinney-Vento Homeless Education grants to assist 12 districts. These districts serve approximately 85 percent of the Puerto Rican students who came to Massachusetts after losing their housing due to hurricanes.

Districts can use the money to offer a variety of activities, including tutoring, before and after-school programs, and collaborations with mental health providers and community services.
 
“Massachusetts’ schools, colleges and universities have played an integral role in supporting students and families from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricane Maria,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to be able to award these important McKinney-Vento grants to a number of communities who opened their schools to those in need, and we look forward to working with the legislature to provide additional funding this fiscal year to any school district impacted by unexpected students.”
 
“Whether it’s been their schools, their homes or their local first responders, cities and towns across the Commonwealth have stepped up as a major partner in our relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Maria,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We are glad these grants are available to help provide support to so many local cities and towns with proud Puerto Rican communities.”
 
“While visiting Boston last month, Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said families evacuating the island are concerned about their children’s education. These funds will enable school districts to help these families with some of the support they need,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.

“I am pleased to announce these grants, which will provide homeless students who have lost their housing in Puerto Rico during Hurricane Maria with the academic and support services they will need to succeed in school,” Acting Commissioner Jeff Wulfson said.

The 12 districts will receive $5,000 each. The districts are: Boston, Chicopee, Fall River, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, New Bedford, Southbridge, Springfield and Worcester.
 
As of mid-December, more than 2,100 students from Puerto Rico impacted by Hurricane Maria were enrolled in K-12 schools across the Commonwealth.
 
In November, Governor Baker announced plans to request additional school funding to help local school districts pay for the education of children who have been evacuated. In addition, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education voted last month to grant in-state tuition rates to evacuees from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands who have been displaced by Hurricane Maria. Community colleges, state universities and the University of Massachusetts campuses will offer in-state tuition rates immediately and through the spring semester of 2018.
Leading the Nation logo
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education logo
Copyright © 2018 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, All rights reserved.


Superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, and charter school leaders will receive the update automatically. For others wishing to receive this update, please subscribe

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list


Twitter Facebook You Tube Website