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Virginia Beach officials flag rising student meal debt, cite limits on collections and protections for students
Summary
Food services reported year-over-year increases in active student meal debt (over 50% growth by level), average unpaid balances of roughly $1,000 (elementary), $4,000 (middle) and $11,000 (high), and an outstanding balance in the mid six figures; staff described federal restrictions on charging or denying meals and explained local collection practices.
Rachel Amato, director of the Office of Food Services, told the school board that active student meal debt in the division has grown substantially and detailed operational limits on how the division responds.
Amato said the division's chart shows average unpaid balances "at elementary schools of over a thousand dollars, middle schools over $4,000, and high schools over $11,000," and that increases exceed 50% at each level compared with the prior year. She said the division participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) at 38 schools, serving roughly 21,600 students who receive no-cost meals through direct certification with the Virginia…
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