Keller ISD Introduces Alternative Meals for Students Exceeding $25 Lunch Debt

Keller Independent School District will soon implement a policy providing "alternative school meals" to students whose lunch debt exceeds $25. Last month, the Keller ISD school board was presented with a new regulation intended to resolve the district's escalating lunch obligations, which totaled $66,000 last year.

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An alternative meal will be provided at no cost to students who exceed the $25 debt limit until their balance is resolved under the new system. The alternative diet comprises a turkey and cheese sandwich for lunch and a SunButter and jelly sandwich for breakfast. Additionally, it includes fresh fruit and a selection of white or cocoa milk. The purpose of this action is to ensure that all pupils receive a nutritious meal and to alleviate the district's financial burden.

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Dustin Blank, Assistant Superintendent of Keller ISD, stated, "We did not have this process in place previously, and students were allowed to charge beyond the limit, which resulted in a $66,000 bill."

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However, the policy has ignited a contentious debate. Some members of the community are concerned that it may exacerbate the socioeconomic disparities among students and cause more harm than good. In response, a local fundraiser has raised over $5,000 to help repay students' lunch debts.

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The district is committed to improving communication with parents regarding negative balances. "We will send out weekly notifications in the form of campus negative balance letters," Blank clarified.

The district reiterates its dedication to guaranteeing that all pupils have access to a meal and to managing the financial burden on the education system, despite the controversy.

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