OKEMAH, OK -- The Okemah school district relies heavily on the government to keep students from going hungry. 80 percent of the students qualify for free or low-cost meals. But there's a financial crisis involving that 20 percent of students who don't qualify.
"The school is taking a loss right now, but we're making sure kids are getting fed," says Superintendent Tony Dean.
Dean says many parents who can afford to pay for their kid's meals have simply not been paying.
Up until last week, those kids who had no money for meals were still receiving a full lunch while their parents were being billed.
But now, those kids are only receiving toast and milk for breakfast and only a sandwich and milk for lunch.
The reason? Those outstanding meal balances cost Okemah $70,000 last year and Dean says it has been detrimental to the district.
"That's money that could be used towards tutoring, teachers, supplies," he says.
Shelly Hickman, Spokesperson for The Oklahoma Department of Education, says school districts' budgets were cut 7.1 percent in November; a reduction due to a decline in state revenue.
Hickman says districts have no obligation to provide a meal to students who have no money and also don't qualify for free or low-cost meals.
Those parents who don't pay their outstanding balances are hurting districts who are already struggling.
"Their operational dollars are getting very precious," Hickman says, "and there are many of them already cut to the bone."
Next month, Dean says Okemah may stop serving meals to kids who don't get money from their parents and who don't qualify for the government program.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma reminds parents they still have their "Food for Kids" program available on the weekends.
Interested parents should ask school officials for details.
"The school is taking a loss right now, but we're making sure kids are getting fed," says Superintendent Tony Dean.
Dean says many parents who can afford to pay for their kid's meals have simply not been paying.
Up until last week, those kids who had no money for meals were still receiving a full lunch while their parents were being billed.
But now, those kids are only receiving toast and milk for breakfast and only a sandwich and milk for lunch.
The reason? Those outstanding meal balances cost Okemah $70,000 last year and Dean says it has been detrimental to the district.
"That's money that could be used towards tutoring, teachers, supplies," he says.
Shelly Hickman, Spokesperson for The Oklahoma Department of Education, says school districts' budgets were cut 7.1 percent in November; a reduction due to a decline in state revenue.
Hickman says districts have no obligation to provide a meal to students who have no money and also don't qualify for free or low-cost meals.
Those parents who don't pay their outstanding balances are hurting districts who are already struggling.
"Their operational dollars are getting very precious," Hickman says, "and there are many of them already cut to the bone."
Next month, Dean says Okemah may stop serving meals to kids who don't get money from their parents and who don't qualify for the government program.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma reminds parents they still have their "Food for Kids" program available on the weekends.
Interested parents should ask school officials for details.
