24
automatically qualify, are enrolled in the programs and
will receive free breakfasts and lunches for the
duration of the school year. Students can also be
enrolled in the SBP and NSLP programs and receive
lunches at a reduced price if their household income
meets the eligibility requirements set by the federal
guidelines. Students from families with incomes
between 130% and 185% of the poverty level qualify
for reduced-priced meals. If students qualify for
reduced meal prices, they can be charged no more
than 30 cents per meal. Students from families with
income levels at or below 130% of the poverty level
are eligible for free breakfasts and lunches.
As previously stated, participating districts are
reimbursed per meal provided through these services.
But are schools being adequately reimbursed for the
free and reduced-cost meals that they are providing?
According to the School Nutrition Association, the
cost to schools to prepare a lunch that meets the
federal nutritional standards is $2.92. Compare that to
the federal NSLP reimbursement rate of $2.68 per
meal and it is apparent that the extra 24 cents per
meal being spent each day for the more than 31.8
million students enrolled in the program is costing
schools a substantial amount of money. With many
schools facing major cutbacks in spending and being
forced to make difficult decisions in a struggling
economy, continuing participation in programs like
NSLP can prove to be hazardous to the budget.
(Continued from page 23)
IASA offers two ways to acquire
2013-2014 Principal Evaluation Tool
The IASA is pleased to announce that members
once again have an opportunity to acquire the IASA
Principal Evaluation Tool. There are now two
methods for acquiring the 2013-2014 IASA Principal
Evaluation Tool. IASA members can attend a three-
hour workshop or members can purchase the tool
outright.
A listing of dates and registration information for
the workshops can be foun
he evaluation
tool has been updated with several new tips that will
help users comply with the requirements of PERA,
suggested improvements from users of last year’s
tool, and the addition of an informal observation form
that can be used to share notes with those being
evaluated.
The tool can be acquired by attending one of the
scheduled workshops, or you can submit a request to
purchase the tool by submitting the for
r by
visiting
. The
registration cost for the workshop is $200 and will be
facilitated by the developer of the tool, Dr. Don
White, and Dr. Joe Pacha. The tool is included in the
cost of the workshop. The price for purchasing the
file online remains $100, the same as last year.
Illinois school breakfast and lunch program ———————————————
