Superintendent: no final state school‑aid budget yet; continuation funding keeps free school meals in place temporarily
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Summary
At the board meeting the superintendent reported lawmakers had approved only a temporary continuation budget through Oct. 8 and that no final school‑aid budget had been passed; the continuation includes provision for free school meals and Westwood High School will continue to provide free meals for now.
The district superintendent told the Westwood Heights Schools Board of Education that state lawmakers had not yet passed a final school‑aid budget.
“As of last night, no final school aid budget has been passed,” the superintendent said, describing action the state legislature took to approve a temporary continuation budget that keeps state operations running through Oct. 8. The superintendent said the continuation budget preserves free school meals temporarily.
District officials said districts are responding differently to the uncertain funding: some districts may require payment for student meals if funding changes, while others would continue to provide meals at no charge. The superintendent stated that Westwood High School will continue to feed students for free under the temporary arrangement.
The superintendent outlined the near‑term timeline for the Legislature: negotiations could continue in the coming days, with a likely pause for a Jewish holiday and the expectation that lawmakers would resume work on Oct. 4 with hopes of finalizing the school‑aid budget before the weekend. Board members asked clarifying questions about the duration of the continuation funding; the superintendent confirmed it runs through Oct. 8.
Ending: The superintendent closed the update noting that district staff will monitor state action and report back to the board when a final school‑aid budget is enacted and any district operational changes are required.