Rapid City Council launches challenge to combat school meal deficit

During a recent government meeting, Rapid City officials addressed the pressing issue of a meal deficit affecting the Rapid City Area Schools. Council members expressed concern over the ongoing deficit and highlighted the community's efforts to support the \"Fed and Ready to Learn\" program, which aims to improve student attendance, academic performance, and behavior.

To further bolster these efforts, the council announced a challenge to local businesses, individuals, and organizations to contribute to the program. They revealed that the city has a contingency fund available, pledging to match donations up to $25,000 on a dollar-for-dollar basis. This initiative is intended to encourage community involvement and reduce the meal deficit as the new school year approaches.

The council emphasized the importance of this program, which is supported by the Rapid City Public School Foundation, and encouraged interested parties to visit the school district's website for more information on how to contribute.

However, a procedural question arose regarding the allocation of the contingency funds. City Attorney Joel clarified that while the challenge could be announced, any actual allocation of funds would require a formal motion on the agenda. The council plans to address this in an upcoming legal and finance meeting to ensure proper procedures are followed.