Dear PLT #3 Families and Community Members,
At the June Board of Education meeting, the Board discussed the possibility of applying for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of household income. The Board’s intent in exploring this option was to help support our families and ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals at no cost.
Based on the initial data presented, the Board voted to move forward with the application process. Unfortunately, after a review of our numbers by the state, it was determined that fewer of our students qualified than we initially believed. As a result, only 69% of our meals would be reimbursed at the higher rate, rather than the 85% we had anticipated. This difference would create an estimated shortfall of approximately $40,000 annually, making participation in the CEP program financially unsustainable for the district at this time.
We want to emphasize that the Board’s decision to pursue the CEP program came from a place of care for our students and families. We understand the importance of meal support, and district staff will continue to monitor our eligibility each year to determine if and when participation in CEP becomes financially feasible.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support of our schools. If you have any questions about this program or student meal services, please don’t hesitate to contact the district office.
Sincerely,
Heidi Lensing
Superintendent