FARMINGTON – Superintendent Christian Elkington shares that Mt. Blue’s Family Engagement and Student Support Coordinator, Amanda Clark, has been recognized by the Maine Department of Education for her involvement in the district’s McKinney-Vento Program.
Clark started at the District in 2022 as the school social worker, quickly showing her dedication to supporting and meeting the holistic needs of students. In the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, Mt. Blue saw a 36 percent increase in McKinney-Vento-identified students, with the number continuing to grow this school year.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires states to ensure the immediate school enrollment of homeless children and youth, providing an equitable education.
As the Family Engagement and Student Support Coordinator, Clark focused on supporting elementary schools in her social work role while overseeing McKinney-Vento services across the district. Through her work, Clark opened the conversation about housing instability, encouraging teachers, parents, and the community to support students in need.
The District also utilizes state funding to assist families with ongoing needs, such as funding for housing, utilities, and extracurricular activities for students. Clark used funding from the Preventing Student Homelessness (PSH) Program to purchase sports equipment for two students who wanted to join athletic teams but could not afford gear.
Clark and the district’s McKinney-Vento team have launched a variety of programs, including weekly and biweekly Community Connect meetings, which allow administration and social workers collaborate and address the needs of students while also coordinating the right support. The District also offers an RSU9 Food Pantry and after-school meals for students. Additionally, school lunch is free for all enrolled students through the end of the year in Maine, as part of the National School Lunch Program due to State of Maine Legislation, which emphasizes the commitment to assisting students with food insecurities.
“Amanda truly goes above and beyond for students and staff, offering resources and support to everyone in need,” said Superintendent Elkington. “Amanda has paved the way for students in need, embodying what it means to be a part of our district and our community. Congratulations to Amanda for this prestigious acknowledgement. We are excited to watch her continued growth in her role across the District.”
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