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Superintendent warns district could lose $2–$3 million in federal Title funding unless families submit meal applications
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Shelton told the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board that while Universal Meals provides daily breakfast and lunch for all students, families still must file free-and-reduced meal applications by Oct. 2, 2025, to preserve Title 1 eligibility; staff estimated $2–$3 million could be at risk depending on federal determinations.
Dr. Shelton told the board on July 15 that California's Universal Meals program guarantees one free breakfast and one free lunch daily for every student, but completing the free-and-reduced meal application remains important to preserve Title 1 funding and related services. "We encourage all families to complete the free and reduced meal application by 10/02/2025, regardless of income," Shelton said, adding that submitting forms helps schools qualify for after-school aid, parent engagement workshops, academic interventions and Title 1 funding.
Shelton said the district is monitoring federal changes and that, depending on which block grants are affected, the district faces an uncertainty range of roughly $2 to $3 million in potential funding at stake. Staff finance director Gerardo clarified that adult-education funding is one of several pots under review and that the range reflects that uncertainty; a more specific figure will be provided once federal guidance identifies which portion is affected. Board member Richard asked staff to include current form-return rates and outreach steps in the district's next briefing; Shelton agreed to provide the form and a communications plan.
