For the first time, all students in the DeKalb County School System are getting free breakfasts and lunches regardless of their families’ household income. The move is meant to ensure that all students get the nutrition they need. But bureaucratic rules also mean it could cost schools state and federal funding.
It depends on how many parents return a form being sent home this month asking them to provide income information on a voluntary basis. A shift in how the school district accounts for the number of low-income students it has could potentially impact how much funding the district receives for crucial services funded by federal grants. If too many parents don’t turn in their income information to schools, it will appear that the number of low-income students has dropped, and the district could get less money.
In a letter to parents, Director of Schools Patrick Cripps is asking parents to complete a “Household Information” survey in order for local schools to show continued eligibility for various state and federal program benefits.
“The income level of the families in our school system determines the funding that each school receives from the federal and state government such as: additional instructional materials, computers and additional teachers and staff. The information you provide will help ensure that your child continues to have access to the level of resources he/she currently has at school,” said Director Cripps, in the letter.
“All information provided is private and confidential as required by state and federal statute. State and federal formulas use only aggregate information for funding calculations,” said Cripps.
(CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW SURVEY)
cep household survey.pdf (295.27 KB)
The actual letter states:
Dear Parents and Guardians:
“We are pleased to announce that all schools in DeKalb County will be implementing a new option available to select schools in Tennessee that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. It is called the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and will begin in school year 2015-16.”
“What does CEP mean for my child(ren) who attend a school in DeKalb County? In a CEP school, all students receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost.”
“What if my child changes schools? Your child is eligible for free meals at any school in DeKalb County.”
“Why is the district requesting financial information? The income level of the families in our school system determines the funding that each school receives from the federal and state government such as: additional instructional materials, computers and additional teachers and staff. The information you provide will help ensure that your child continues to have access to the level of resources he/she currently has at school.”
“How will this information be protected? In keeping with current practices, all information provided is private and confidential as required by state and federal statute. State and federal formulas use only aggregate information for funding calculations.”
“What do I need to do? Please complete the attached form and return it to your child’s school. Your assistance in maintaining current funding levels is greatly appreciated.”
“If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Collins at 615- 597-4084.”
Beginning this month, the school system joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Community Eligibility Program, a universal meal plan under the National School Lunch Program that permits eligible districts and schools to provide meal service to all students at no charge. DeKalb County schools also offer free breakfasts under the Universal Breakfast Program.
All students in the DeKalb County School System, regardless of income, now have access to free lunches and breakfasts under the program.
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