🍎 School Lunch Debt: Time for a Real Plan, Not More Band-Aids

At our most recent Board of Education meeting, one of the more frustrating topics of discussion was the more than $6,000 in unpaid student lunch bills our district was forced to cover this year. This money — funds that could have been directed toward classroom resources, building improvements, or student programs — instead went to pay for meals that many families chose not to pay for.

Our superintendent acknowledged that while there are certainly families who need help, he believes many are fully capable of paying for school lunches. However, the widespread free meal programs provided during COVID created new habits, and in some cases, families have simply stopped paying — not because they can’t, but because they’re not being held accountable.

This is more than just a financial frustration — it’s a legal and policy issue. School districts are required by law to distribute their unpaid meal charge policy to parents each year. That policy includes procedures for notifying families, offering support or resources to those who qualify for assistance, and outlining next steps for collection. What it does not require is that schools silently absorb unpaid bills with no system in place.

And that’s the real problem: we don’t have a plan.

We need leadership willing to move beyond “paying the bill and moving on.” Being reactive every year — waiting until the debt accumulates, then covering it with district funds — is not sustainable and not responsible. It’s time for a proactive approach that includes:

• Clear, regular communication with families as soon as balances are overdue.

• A defined collection process that is consistently followed.

• Easy access to assistance programs for families who truly need help.

• Stronger accountability measures with Eastconn and anyone else involved in the billing process.

One board member even suggested partnering with the PTO and local businesses to raise donation funds to cover future unpaid lunch debt. While well-intentioned, that’s not the solution. Our PTO, donors, and community members give generously — but those funds should support enrichment, growth, and innovation in our schools, not plug holes created by poor financial follow-through. At a time when we’re facing major capital needs like a new playscape, roof repairs, and other big-ticket projects, we must show our donors and taxpayers that their money is being used wisely.

The bottom line is this: our hardworking taxpayers shouldn’t keep footing the bill for the district’s lack of planning and communication. We must stop robbing Peter to pay Paul and start building a system that respects our families, supports those who truly need it, and holds everyone accountable — including ourselves.

The goal isn’t to deny a child a meal — no one wants that. The goal is to create a fair, transparent, and sustainable process that ensures every dollar our district spends is used to strengthen our schools, not to cover for avoidable oversights.

To learn more about what the state of Connecticut requires regarding unpaid lunch bills, reference their Guide to Required Policy for Unpaid Meal Charges here: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/nutrition/nslp/financialmanagement/unpaid_meal_charges_policy_snp.pdf