Nearly half of all students already qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, so Nettle Creek school officials are encouraging families to apply for the program to qualify for funding that would benefit the entire school district.
Some grants for schools require that at least half of all students in a school district meet income requirements for the free or reduced-price lunch program. In Nettle Creek, 44.8% qualified in 2023-24. To qualify, families must complete an online-only application, Emily Schaeffer, superintendent, told the school board on July 31.
Families are asked to apply at school registration and at other times. Some qualified families do not submit applications because they believe they do not need the program. But, “It is important that all families fill it out (the application),” Schaeffer said.
Grants supplement funds from local property taxes, state school aid, and other sources.
“If more people understood how this affects everyone, they might be more willing” to apply, said board member Sandi Schraub.
The discussion came up when the board approved a school lunch price increase for 2024-25. Lunch will cost $3.30 in both school buildings. That’s 20 cents more at Hagerstown High School and 10 cents more at Hagerstown Elementary. The reduced price is 40 cents. The state’s weighted average school lunch price is $3.85.
In response to questions from the board, corporation treasurer Amber Rushton said unpaid school lunch bills now total about $17,000. Board member Dan Davis Jr. said that’s much better than a few years ago, when lunch debt was over $100,000.
The board also renewed agreements with Centerstone and IU East. Centerstone provides mental health support to about 200 Nettle Creek students. The agreement with IU East allows high school students to receive high school and college credit for some courses taken at IU East. Last year, nine students participated in the program, Schaeffer reported.
Without public discussion, the board also approved the terms of a court settlement. Schaeffer said she could not discuss the confidential settlement. The board had held a closed board meeting before the public board meeting.
The Board of Directors has approved the following personnel measures.
- Certified staff: Tarissa Gregory, ICP teacher; Madison Miller, high school English/Language and Literature teacher; Bruce Swallow and Kami Combs, elementary school teachers.
- Non-certified personnel: Ronald Lewis, Aleesha Study, Amanda Miller, Ashlynn Oliger, high school instructional assistants; Shannon Harter, elementary school secretary and Title I secretary; Kallie Rose, elementary school IA; Desiree Cones and Laura Schaffner, daycare/preschool assistants.
- Departures: Michelle Hart, HJSHS English/Language and Literature; Haylee Haskett, HJSHS IA; Rachel Bowen, HES Secretary/Title I Employee; Madison Davis and Adam Comer, HES Teachers; Paige Stuart and Courtney Diercks, HES IA; Wayne Atkinson, Bus Driver.
- Jump Start/ECA change: Jodi Young, mathematics at HJSHS; Mary Randall, mentor teacher at HJSHS.
- ECA new hires in autumn: Kent Gray, cross country coach; Jason Schmittler, middle school cross country; Scott Snodgrass, head football coach; Brandon Lester and Ryan Pass, assistant football coaches; Jeb Clifton, JV and freshman football; Caleb Blaase, JV and freshman football assistant coaches; Chuck Golliher, Ryan Sams and Peyton Meyer, JH football; Chris Robertson, boys tennis; Steve Abshire, girls golf; Brian Dale, head volleyball coach; Ashley Vinson and Laynie Vinson, JV volleyball; Hannah Rogers, 8th grade volleyball; Jada Briar, 7th grade volleyball; Betsy Swimm, elementary school volleyball; Glen Meek, fall high school athletic director; Kayla Vinson, varsity and JV cheerleading; Chloe Beaty and Erica Glunt, freshman cheerleading; Marissa Favorite, JH cheerleading.
- Extracurricular volunteers: Tom Golliher, Chuck Golliher, Phil Renforth, Peyton Renforth, football; David Moore, JH football; Whitney Robertson, tennis, boys; Jill Leversedge, golf, girls; Kendall Wolfe, Betsy Swimm, Nate Logston, Bailey Jeffries, volleyball.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the LGI room at Hagerstown Elementary, 299 N. Sycamore St. The public is invited to attend.
A version of this article appeared in the August 7, 2024 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
