Board discusses WOSB resolutions including meal-debt reimbursement and proposed education cabinet

Members of the Superior School District Board discussed proposed resolutions for the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WOSB) delegate assembly during the Jan. 13 meeting, focusing on a Sun Prairie Area School District proposal to seek reimbursement for unpaid meal debt and on a separate proposal to create a state education cabinet leadership position.

A board member read the Sun Prairie proposal, which would ask WOSB to "support legislation that allocates money to reimburse districts for the cost of unpaid meal debt if they are feeding kids, without stigma." Board members described the district’s current practices — using an Angel Fund, encouraging families to complete free-and-reduced-price meal applications, and in some cases pursuing collections — and questioned how state reimbursement might change families’ behavior.

Dina Hagen, director of student services and special education (reported to the board in a committee update), and other staff participated in the committee discussion; board members also noted recent food-service audit guidance that prompted a local review of practices. One board member said the district does not engage in "food shaming" and emphasized the need for clearer statewide guidance on handling unpaid meal balances.

Separately, board members discussed a proposed "education cabinet" leadership position intended to coordinate research, data collection and anti-discrimination work for education policy. The board did not adopt new language at the meeting and members were invited to submit feedback before the convention.

There was no formal district vote on the WOSB positions during the Jan. 13 meeting; members were asked to review the larger packet and send comments ahead of the delegate assembly.