JNPSD board approves Provision 2 reapplication, vendor renewals, policy updates and Arch Ford lease; student handbook postponed

At its June meeting, the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District board approved a series of administrative actions including a reapplication for Provision 2 of the federal school meals program, renewal of child nutrition vendor contracts, adoption of model policy revisions and a new lease arrangement for a district property; the board postponed student handbook approval to July.

Provision 2 reapplication: District staff recommended reapplying for another Provision 2 base year so the district can provide breakfast and lunch at no cost and work toward reaching the 70% participation threshold that unlocks other funding. Staff reported that adding Medicaid as a qualifier increased the district’s identified student population from 42% to 52% but still short of 70%. The superintendent’s recommendation to reapply was approved. Staff told the board the district lost "a lot over about $1,700,000 in enhanced student achievement funding" after falling short of the 70% threshold last year.

Vendor renewals and resolutions: The…