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Good afternoon superintendents and charter school leaders,
I want to share with you the statement issued this morning after a press conference was held at the Capitol on the topic of school lunch debt.
I know that many of you struggle with the challenges of collecting outstanding balances from parents. I also know that the majority of you understand that this is a transactional issue between adults, and not something that a child should be held responsible for.
As you all know, I have been very direct about my distaste for fees and denying kids lunch or activities because of a parent not keeping up with their debt, or even their outright refusal to pay. Kids should not be punished for their parents’ behavior.
I know that the policies of a few districts do not reflect the policies of every district, every superintendent or school board member. But, I am alarmed that we are still hearing about violations of state law that shame and/or demean our kids and some students are even being denied opportunities that go beyond a denial of lunch, such as losing the ability to attend school dances or play athletics due to the unpaid debt or fee.
I would caution us all in our assumptions about a family’s ability to pay. Many of our families are just above the cut-off and some have other life commitments that make daily choices difficult, and some just don't want to fill out the forms.
Let's work together to ensure all our Minnesota kids have a meal during the school day and that they have every opportunity to succeed!
Thank you for all that you do for Minnesota’s children.
Brenda
Statement: Minnesota Education Commissioner Releases Statement on School Lunch Shaming Practices
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