We are asking for your help. As it stands, the unusually few number of Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications we have received would result in 3 quarters of a million dollars in supplemental funds going unclaimed. We are asking you—our community—for help, and you can do so quickly and easily. See simple ways to help below. First, here is our context:
“More than an application!” districts across our state have been campaigning, referencing the fact that the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications affect much more than just food programs.
It is true. To be particular, it is that each qualified free and reduced-price meal applicant translates directly to what are called, “Title I,” dollars and, “Supplemental,” dollars, which districts use to fund important educational programs.
Each year, to receive those funds, a district must show the federal and state governments the number of students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals.
This year, thousands of previously eligible families have not yet submitted an application for the new year, which would mean a loss in funds to which we are otherwise entitled.
- Last school year, MDUSD had processed a total of 17,641 applications.
- This school year, MDUSD has processed a total of 9,226 applications.
- As of October 1, 2020 we have received 2,560 fewer total applications relative to the number we received on October 1, 2019.
Our estimated allocation for Title I for the 2020-21 school year is $5,457,854. Preliminary reports show the district has a 14% reduction of free and reduced-price student eligibility, which translates to just over a $760,000 potential loss (when using a simplified formula). This reduction would also affect Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) supplemental dollars, which itself uses a formula that considers an unduplicated count of free and reduced-price eligible students, English learner students, homeless students, and foster youth.
Here are simple ways to help:
- First, take 5-10 minutes to apply today, even if you do not plan on taking district meals. All MDUSD families are encouraged to apply, and you can do so online from any device.
Apply for Meals Today | Solicitar Comidas Hoy | Áp dụng cho bữa ăn | Aide Alimentaire | 申請免和優惠價格膳食 | 무료 및 할인 식사 신청 | ယနေ့တွင်အစားအစာများအတွက် | Подать заявку на питание сегодня | Սննդի դիմումներ
Do you need a paper version of the application, or instructions on how to complete the application? Visit mdusd.org/foodservices
- Then, retweet or share district social media posts in English or Spanish.
| Help on Twitter | Help on Facebook |
Have you ever wanted to meet the Superintendent directly? Help our goal to reach more than 40 re-tweets on Twitter, and more than 40 shares on Facebook. If our goal is met, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark has offered to take a lucky winner to lunch (at his expense)—1 person of the first 80 posts will be drawn from a hat. All are welcome to participate.
No comments:
Post a Comment