As the school year kicks off, local school districts have been “blindsided” by new students who are staying at a shelter housing migrant families, as Bay State officials announce nearly $2 million in federal funding to help dozens of districts.
Norfolk officials on Monday reported that 20 children staying at the former prison in town, which was recently renovated to house migrant families, might be enrolling in the Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip Regional School District.
This was an “unanticipated change” at the start of the school year, according to the local officials.
“The town and both school districts recognize and understand that this unexpected change in policy regarding enrollment may cause frustration, anger, and concern across the community, and want to emphasize their commitment to the Norfolk community as these changes take place,” the Norfolk town administrator and the two local superintendents wrote to the community.
“District and town leaders are working diligently to address the situation and want to stress that the education of all students is the top priority,” the officials added.
The state was coming under fire for this unexpected change in Norfolk, as the region faces an influx of migrants.
“The lack of coordination between the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the town of Norfolk is deeply concerning,” said MassGOP spokesperson Logan Trupiano. “It is unacceptable for a school to be blindsided by the sudden arrival of additional students requiring special programs just as the school year is about to begin.
“The failures of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Democratic supermajority in managing the migrant crisis are depleting resources meant for our children and diminishing the quality of their education,” the MassGOP spokesperson added. “Massachusetts must stem the flow of this migrant influx by implementing eligibility timelines for emergency housing, thereby protecting the interests of Massachusetts residents.”
The state earlier this year spruced up the state-owned Bay State Correctional Center to house migrant families, many who were sleeping at Boston Logan International Airport.
The site was expected to house up to 450 individuals — or 140 families who are eligible for emergency shelter placement under Massachusetts’ right-to-shelter law — and stay open for between six months and one year.
Recently, the town was notified that some families at the shelter may be enrolling students in the local school districts. That includes 12 elementary school-aged children and eight middle/high school-aged children.
Both school districts had been previously preparing to receive a much larger number of new students, the local officials noted.
“Currently there have been three additional English Language Learning (ELL) teachers hired and retained by the districts and preliminary program plans have been developed,” the officials added. “The Town of Norfolk, Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip Regional School District will continue to work with the state, and advocate for the restoration of previously secured funding for this unanticipated change.”
Meanwhile on Monday, the Gov. Maura Healey administration announced that 47 public school districts are receiving more than $1.7 million in federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education grants — including $20,000 for Norfolk Public Schools and $20,000 for King Phillip Regional School District.
The nearly $2 million will support more than 20,000 students who experience homelessness at some point during the school year, state officials said. The funding helps districts with family engagement, staff training, English language services, tutoring, school supplies and other needs.
“We’re deeply grateful to the school districts across the state that have been going above and beyond to support students experiencing homelessness and their families, including those who have long lived in Massachusetts and those who have newly arrived in Massachusetts,” Healey said. “The dedication and hard work of educators and staff makes all the difference for these students at a very difficult time in their lives.
“We also understand the strain facing school districts and the need for more resources,” the governor added. “That’s why we’re proud to be delivering these federal funds to help schools support these students. Our administration will continue to advocate for additional federal support to address this federal problem.”
Districts will continue to receive reimbursements for transportation for students who elect to remain in their “school of origin,” as well as emergency aid for enrollment to cover the average full per-student cost at $104 per student per day.
The other school districts receiving the McKinney-Vento grant awards include: New Bedford Public Schools ($125,000), Lowell Public Schools ($85,000), Lynn Public Schools ($85,000), Boston Public Schools ($80,000), Gloucester Public Schools ($75,000), Framingham Public Schools ($65,000), and Worcester Public Schools ($60,000).