Grand Forks educator honored nationally for work supporting homeless students

Sara Berg, who previously served as the students in transition coordinator for Grand Forks Public Schools, has received a national award recognizing her efforts to support homeless students.

The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY), headquartered in Atlanta, presented Berg with its 2025 McKinney-Vento Liaison of the Year award. The announcement was made Monday at NAEHCY's annual conference in Dallas.

Berg was nominated by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. Jen Withers, state coordinator for the education of homeless children and youth at the department, commended Berg’s work connecting students and families with resources from both schools and the community.

“Sara consistently demonstrates exceptional dedication, knowledge and innovation to ensure our most vulnerable students receive the support and opportunities they deserve,” Withers wrote in her letter recommending Berg for the honor.

Reacting to news of the award, Berg said she was surprised by the recognition. She highlighted that it reflects on all McKinney-Vento liaisons working across North Dakota who help students facing homelessness access education despite significant obstacles.

“They’re amazing,” Berg said. “I don’t even have the words to describe the feeling, the gratitude that I have … We want our students to know we are there to help them succeed and that they can achieve their dreams.”

In her role, Berg assisted homeless students with obtaining clothing, food, medical care, mental health counseling, transportation to school, and other essential needs. She currently works as Medicaid program manager for Grand Forks Public Schools.

From 2018 through 2025, Grand Forks Public Schools reported an annual count of homeless youth ranging from 80 to 190 out of more than 7,600 enrolled students this fall.

Withers further described Berg’s approach: “She has a clear and compassionate understanding of the unique challenges faced by children and youth experiencing homelessness in our rural and inclement-weather state,” Withers wrote in her nomination letter. “She approaches every situation with empathy, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to removing barriers so each student can succeed academically, socially, physically, emotionally, and mentally.”

Berg credited colleagues including Withers; Michelle Siegfried from NDDPI; social workers within Grand Forks schools; local nonprofit organizations; and Matt Bakke—assistant superintendent for elementary education—for their roles supporting these efforts. She noted Bakke’s flexibility allowed her direct engagement with affected students and families.

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law enacted in 1987 that provides funding for services aimed at supporting homeless students’ right to public education. Federal funds are allocated to states which then distribute grants locally. The act is named after former U.S. Representatives Stewart McKinney (R-Conn.) and Bruce Vento (D-Minn.).

Over each of the past three budget years in North Dakota, between $250,308 and $272,422 in McKinney-Vento grants were distributed among school districts.