Q Why did USD 253 send out letters in November notifying parents that free and reduced-price lunches are available to kids in the school district? They let us know at least three times during enrollment.
The letter has my children’s names and grades handwritten on the form instead of merged into a document automatically, and it also contained information about income guidelines.
This seems a waste of taxpayer money, in time and postage spent.
What percentage of students have free or reduced-price lunches in this district?
A The mailings went only to parents of high-school students, according to information from Nancy Horst, community relations director for the district.
“Because so many high school students enroll themselves, parents of these students don’t always get everything the schools send out,” Horst said.
The mailing also was to remind families that applications for free or reduced-price meals can be submitted at any time during the year, if a family situation changes, such as a reduction of income or an increase in the number of family members, she said.
“We certainly do not want to offend families that do not qualify for meal benefits,” Horst said. “However, we do want to ensure that all eligible families have the information, and we believe it is worth the extra time and effort.”
She said that the district makes no assumptions about family eligibility, so sends letters to parents of all high school students who have not already applied for assistance.
Horst said that 60 percent of Emporia students receive free or reduced-price lunches.
F Readers with questions may send them to Because You Asked, in care of The Emporia Gazette, Drawer C, Emporia KS 66801. Questions must be signed, but names will not be used.
hartford (anonymous) says...
Maybe they send it out because things can change and peoples income may not be the same as it was during enrollment. Which was stated in the article. What part of that isn't understood? I think it is a good idea. Some people may not realize it or have never even had to consider getting free or reduced lunches. If it offends people only beacause it's a waste of money, then maybe we should suggest to the board that parents who provided an email address during enrollment could have things like this emailed to them instead.
November 7, 2007 at 9:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ozma (anonymous) says...
Free and reduced lunches are only for the immagrants. Yes, some people can get on them, but isn't it strange that a normal American Family has to apply and be qualified only to find out they make "to much annual income to qualify". I paid for 4 planned children to enroll. I pay for 4 full priced lunch tickets each month. At an average of $30.00 a month per child, 9 months of school, I am looking at $1080.00 a year.
My family does not recieve Food Stamps, or EBT cash, or any type of Welfare funding. The immagrants are on all programs and still recieve the FREE LUNCH PROGRAM.
Where is the fairness and honesty in this program. If you recieve Welfare, shouldn't you be able to afford your childs lunch since you are not paying for your food? And, why don't we stop the FREE lunches. Lets take down the price of regular lunches, and up the price of reduced lunches. Many people on free and reduced lunches do not deserve them. Lying on the applications is not my way, but it seems to be the way of many.
November 8, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
boomer46 (anonymous) says...
ozma,
If I were you, I would talk with someone at the district office regarding this. I worked in a school district for 25 years. Sounds to me like you should qualify for free or reduced lunches. Part of my job with the district I worked for was to help parents like you get the services they deserve. Good Luck!
November 8, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )