In some previous articles it has been discussed that the public school system provides students with opportunities for free and reduced lunch. Through this program, children can eat breakfast or lunch in the school cafeteria for a reduced charge or for free of charge. There are certain income requirements that families must meet to sign up for this program.
When a child is enrolled and accepted in the free and reduced lunch program, the family can also apply for other reduced or free opportunities. We typically call this a “waiver of fees”. These fees include supplies, school functions, and field trips.
This program is a wonderful opportunity for those families who cannot afford school meals and such. However it also can put a strain on teachers and schools. The food program is usually of no concern or worry for teachers. However the waiver of supply fees and field trips can be troublesome.
While the government supplements the cafeteria for the free lunches, no extra money is sent to the teachers when a child has a waiver of fees. Therefore the supply fee and field trip money is just lost.
When the class takes a field trip, the bus driver and any admissions into most locations must be paid regardless of whether students are on a wavier or not. Therefore teachers are usually forced to ask parents for a small amount of money over what the actual costs would be. This extra money helps cover the cost for any children who do not have to pay because of the wavier. The same goes for supply fees.
Some parents who have children that are on a waiver will send in money for field trips and school functions. They just use the program for the breakfast and lunch opportunities. However when a field trip note is sent home, some parents are very quick to send a reply note that states that they do not have to pay.
I think that we are very fortunate to have the program in order to help the needy families. The food part is especially important. However I do feel guilty for at times having to overcharge some families to pay for others. I wish that the government would consider sending extra money to the classrooms for these also.