Laramie County School District No. 2 announced its policy for free and reduced price meals this week. The policy is for children unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program. Each school and the Laramie County School District No. 2 Central Administration Office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.
The accompanying chart shows the household size and income criteria which will be used for determining eligibility. Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for free or reduced price meals.
Free and reduced price meal application forms are being made available to all homes along with a letter to parents or guardians. To apply for free or reduced price meals, households must fill out the application and return it to the school. Additional copies are available at the principal’s office in each school. The information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year.
School officials cannot approve an application for free and reduced price benefits unless it contains complete documentation. Households receiving food stamps, POWER of Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits must provide the child’s name, his/her food stamp, POWER or FDPIR case number, and the signature and name of an adult household member. Households not receiving food stamps, POWER or FDPIR benefits must provide: names of all household members, social security number of the adult who signs the form, and the income each person receives. An adult household member must sign the application certifying that the information provided is correct.
Under the provisions of the free and reduced price policy, each of the school principals of Laramie County School District No. 2 will review the applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal may make a request either orally or in writing to Mr. Jack Cozort, Superintendent of Schools, (307-245-4050) for a hearing on the decision.
If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. The household may now be eligible for benefits if the household’s income is at or below the levels shown.
