Gauging the initial reactions of members at Monday night’s Dade County Board of Education meeting, the school system won’t be joining the ranks of others participating in the federal CEP, or Community Eligibility Provision.
The USDA explains CEP as a non-pricing meal service option for schools in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest intensive poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.
Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Dade County Schools Nutritionist Jenn Bowden told the board she’d like every student to have a free breakfast or lunch, but that in her analysis, CEP participation would actually cost the school system more than they’re currently paying. “And there really is no such thing as a free lunch, someone pays.”
After a monthly breakdown of last year’s food and labor costs for Dade County Schools versus likely reimbursements, Bowden projected almost a $265,000 department shortfall with CEP participation.
She lamented the price of food has gone up significantly, quipping “Pop-Tarts have doubled in price” yet proclaimed that Dade County Schools have the most cost-effective meal program in Northwest Georgia.
Last year, some 879 students systemwide were identified for free or reduced meals of the 2,023 enrolled. Bowden says with the figures in mind, Dade Schools would have likely scaled for a 43.45 ISP rating.
A score Bowden says would have yielded a relatively low reimbursement rate from the USDA. She also noted the food quality of meals would likely decrease as well from what is currently being served in Dade cafeterias.
Bowden noted for a second straight year, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has approved free, state paid breakfasts and lunches for all students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Board member Dr Jane Griffith asked Bowden why members should even consider the CEP proposition when Bowden quickly responded she doesn’t support the proposal, she was only charged with determining the potential financial impact.
Bowden concluded if there were more families in the school system utilizing SNAP, TANF and other benefit assistance programs, Dade’s ISP for the Community Eligibility Provision would be higher and so would the associated reimbursements.
Dade County Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle says he wanted the system to investigate the possible pros and cons of the federal program after a neighboring county decided to participate.
Ingle suggested the system continue with the current “free and reduced” meal grant push, not CEP. The members panel concurred.
In other board news, a major upgrade for sound and lighting will soon be coming to the Dade County High auditorium, with the board approving a request for purchase to replace the sound system originally installed when the facility was built.
Barring bad weather, a new concrete slab will be poured Friday at the Davis Elementary construction site. Superintendent Ingle says bi-monthly meetings with owner, architect and contractor are ongoing with the April 25th project completion date still a realistic goal.
The board is also looking to replace a twenty year old roof on the Lower Building at Davis Elementary next year with a FY 2026 Capital Outlay Application that could earn a $58,000 reimbursement grant. Ingle hopes to use the grant money for the estimated $270,000 roofing project price tag.
The Kids Day event held prior to the start of classes had some 350 students get free school supplies and was sponsored by Dade First.
By Vince Lennon
