In the heart of rural southwestern Missouri, Exeter School District faces unique challenges due to its small size and limited resources. With only 330 students, Principal Ashley Fly juggles multiple roles including athletic director, transportation director, high school counselor, foster care coordinator, and softball coach. This multifaceted role extends to identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness, a responsibility mandated by the McKinney-Vento Act. Despite the challenges, Fly emphasizes the advantage of a close-knit community that helps ensure no student falls through the cracks.

The Unique Challenges of a Small Community

Exeter School District, serving a population of approximately 750 residents, is emblematic of many rural areas where educators must balance numerous responsibilities. Principal Fly’s various roles highlight the necessity for versatility in such settings. In this district, about 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating significant economic hardship. Nearly 10% of students experience some form of homelessness, often sharing housing with other families or living in trailers. The pandemic exacerbated these issues, causing an increase in housing instability. However, Fly’s deep connections within the community allow her to quickly identify and address students' needs.

Fly’s approach contrasts with larger urban districts, where identifying homeless students can be more challenging. In Exeter, the small-town dynamics facilitate quicker recognition of changes in students' lives. For instance, Fly can tell if a student had a difficult night at home just by observing them. This personal connection ensures timely intervention and support, aligning with the McKinney-Vento Act’s requirements for uninterrupted access to education and necessary services.

A Call for Awareness and Collaboration

From a journalist's perspective, the story of Exeter School District underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing homelessness in rural areas. While urban centers may have more visible signs of homelessness, rural communities face unique challenges, including limited resources and services. The dedication of educators like Fly demonstrates how small, tight-knit communities can effectively support vulnerable students. However, it also highlights the need for increased awareness and collaboration between schools, local organizations, and policymakers to provide comprehensive assistance.

The experiences of Exeter and similar districts reveal that despite resource limitations, rural areas can leverage their strengths—such as strong community bonds—to mitigate the effects of housing instability on students. This narrative calls for broader recognition of rural homelessness and the development of tailored solutions to ensure all students receive the support they deserve.