RISD explores options for student meals
As with any group, the new calendar year is bringing new changes for Richards ISD.
During the July 21, RISD Board meeting, the board voted to approve and apply for the Community Eligibility Program for the 2022-23 school year. The program feeds low-income students from Pre-k to 12th grade and has proven to be a vital support for school districts statewide.
A CEP can be implemented at a single school or district-wide as Richards ISD has done in the past. Eligibility is based on identified student percentage for reimbursed meals paid directly to the ISD. RISD has qualified easily based on student and family low-income statuses, but over the past 2 years eligibility has become increasingly difficult with out of district transfers and families moving into the district.
Since the July board meeting, RISD was notified the district does not qualify for the meal program based on enrollment base for last year. While frustrating to both the board and administration, the group has been proactive since receiving the notice - looking for ways to fund meals for RISD students without imposing costs or posing risks to a student’s ability to eat every day.
“Our students will not go hungry, whether we as a school pay out of pocket for these kids to eat, or we go back to the table to figure out a better plan. explained RISD Superintendent William Boyce. “I do not want to see any costs imposed on our families.”
The board agreed with Boyce’s opinion. President Jason Bay and board member, Jeannine Shead, stressed the importance of finding a remedy for the lack of program support. “If it is a matter of reapplying or seeking help from TEA on this, let’s do it, but let’s find a way to feed our kids here,” replied Bay. At the beginning of the 2021-22 school year RISD announced free meals being offered to students for 2021-22 and noted that income eligibility could resume in the 2022-23 school year.
Retirement
After 35 years of working for the district in multiple positions, Cheryle McCarty is retiring. She spent hours working with students in all walks from learning new skills, overcoming education hurdles, to successfully graduating and becoming gainfully employed. She has driven buses, supervised field trips and been responsible for wonderful programs. Her love for the students and for education will leave a lasting affect for years to come.
Staffing changes
RISD will be adding a full time IT support staff member for the new school year. This position is responsible for IT support for all grades and staff. Potential salary is $30,000 annually.
“For years we have had support from contractors or Region 6, and while our support for various programs will continue through Region 6, having a full time IT support staff member will greatly benefit both staff and students here” said Boyce.
The district will need to recruit a new school counselor/head volleyball coach. The current counselor is not renewing a contract with RISD, instead choosing to focus on furthering her education and working at the collegiate level.
Meet the Teacher
Meet the Teacher Night is 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18. Families will meet staff, pick up supply lists, etc. in the RISD cafeteria. Food trucks will also be available for meal purchases in the campus parking to encourage families to come, meet staff and eat dinner.
Both P.T.O and the Athletic Booster club will also be on campus for sign up and to discuss plans for the new year. Immediately following Meet the Teacher, the RISD August board meeting will start at 7 p.m. in the H.S. Library to discuss the CEP program and additional items prior to the new school year starting.
Upcoming activities in Grimes County:
Aug. 9 - AgriLife School Supply drive & Health Fair at Grimes Co. Fairgrounds, 10 a.m. Free school supplies and checkups! Aug. 18 - RISD Meet
Aug. 18 - RISD Meet the Teacher and school board meeting 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Aug. 22: RISD first day of school.
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