Linking Loop -- November 13, 2018

By Anne Scheck

Feeding Students Creates Lunch Debt Across District

The school district’s tab for feeding students who cannot pay for their lunches has grown to $54,000, according to Alex Singer, director of food service. The sum “is all uncollected meal debt,” said Mr. Singer, who reported the cost at the last school board meeting, held earlier this month. The debt was incurred after the district – along with others across the state – ended the practice last year of what some had dubbed “lunch shaming.” The term referred to giving cold-sandwich substitutes or other snacks to students whose families were in arrears to the district for meals at school.
 
The reason for the relatively high debt is twofold, Mr. Singer said. There are low-income families whose earnings don’t qualify for subsidy, missing the cut-off by a mere $50 in some cases. And some families that might qualify appear fearful of filling out any paper work that would identify them, Mr. Singer said. The issue is expected to be brought back to the school board soon for further discussion. 

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Independence New City Manager

Tom Pessemier, who has held several key administrative roles for the City of Sherwood, was selected as the new city manager for Independence, it was announced Tuesday. Mr. Pessemier is scheduled to begin in early December.

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Looking Ahead

From drones to dog-leash rules, policy changes that affect local schools -- required by statute or other regulation -- are being tackled by the district superintendent, Jennifer Kubista EdD, and the school board. From replacing archaic language to updating statements that reflect new technology, the amendments are expected to be adopted throughout this year -- and probably into the next one, too.