School lunches are no longer free

Waseca school board member Katie Youngberg spoke up during a discussion of the district food service at the August 18 meeting to emphasize that student meals will again be charged at prices similar to before the Covid pandemic. Due to federal funding, all student meals have been at no charge for the past two years. 

District families are encouraged to apply for free or reduced price meals. Superintendent Eric Hudspith requests that even those who aren’t certain they are eligible or who don’t know if they will use any meals should complete the application available on the school website.  Hudspith stated that Minnesota adjusts the income threshold each year; because of this, families which previously would not have qualified might do so this school year.  He strongly urges parents to apply annually at a minimum, though they are encouraged to do so whenever their income decreases or number of household members increases.

Minnesota funds the school district’s Title I, II, and IV programs based on the number of students who qualify for the free and reduced meals program in the district. Title I funds are used to strengthen academic programs in the district for students who are eligible for Title I reading and math. The Waseca school district is able to employ one teacher and three paras as a result of receiving Title I funds.

The purpose of Title II monies is to increase student achievement consistent with state standards, improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders,  increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement. “To teach the teacher,” school board member Youngberg summarizes. The district has used Title II funds for professional development, a teacher mentor program, and paying for schooling for difficult-to-fill teacher positions such as industrial technology and emotional/behavioral disabilities. Title IV funds are  for improving student academic achievement through activities and programs in the areas of effective technology usage, safe and healthy students, and a well-rounded education. Waseca Schools disperse Title IV dollars into their social/emotional curriculum, arts, and music.  Families  with students who have recently learned to play the ukelele on a school instrument can thank Title IV funds (or perhaps not). Anyone with questions about applying to the free and reduced meals program is encouraged to call food service director Ross Larson at (507) 835-3360.

Also of note, Superintendent Eric Hudspith discussed several updates to the district’s strategic plan among the school board business presented at their August meeting. He stated that the district is still waiting for some data from Minnesota regarding academic results and will be able to share more specifics after August 25. “Still, there appears to be a general improvement overall, with Waseca’s students scoring somewhat higher than the state average,” he says. In his back-to-school update, Hudspith articulated his feelings of excitement for the upcoming school year. School activities have begun, and internal projects are wrapping up in each building. Hudspith stated that, after two years of disruption and uncertainty from the Covid pandemic, he feels a sense of renewal among staff members.