Wichita ? Wichita school officials have identified 1,200 students who meet federal education guidelines for being homeless.

District leaders had estimated the number to be around 1,000. But a more precise way for determining the living arrangements of a student’s parents has provided a clearer look. Sue Steele, a district liaison officer charged with helping homeless students, says the higher number is worrisome because she expects more children to become homeless as the recession takes a toll on family incomes.

Steele said more than 700 of the homeless students live with another family, while 300 live in homeless shelters. Another 75 live in motels. And almost 30 are transient, moving among their friends’ homes.

The district spends more than $200,000 a year helping homeless students.