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Finance committee warns of potential $80,000–$100,000 school meals shortfall
Summary
The district’s Finance & Facilities committee reported that falling reimbursement rates for the Community Eligibility Provision could create an estimated $80,000–$100,000 annual funding gap; the Board discussed outreach and operational changes to reduce the risk.
The Gavin School Board’s Finance & Facilities committee told the Board on May 20 that district participation in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) currently provides free meals to all students but faces funding risk if reimbursement rates fall. Mrs. Diana Miletich Wester said the district remains eligible on reapplication in 2027 but that "projected reductions in reimbursement rates could create an estimated annual funding gap of $80,000–$100,000."
Board members discussed two primary responses: targeted communication to encourage families to complete qualification forms and operational adjustments to align program costs with projected reimbursements. Mrs. Wester recommended outreach to increase awareness of related benefits beyond school meals and indicated staff will return with options if the reimbursement projections materialize. The discussion was framed as proactive planning rather than adoption of immediate cuts or program changes.
