Students, Parents, District At Odds Over Lunch Debt Policy

Kokomo High School in Indiana has placed new debt policy, which went into effect on Jan 1. The alternate lunch includes either a peanut butter or cheese sandwich and milk.

"Once the $25.00 charge limit has been reached, an alternate meal will be provided to the student," according to the new rule.  However, many people and students are at odds over the new policy after disappointed high school senior Sierra Feitl shared it on Facebook. Her posted snapped has been shared hundred times and garnered comments on both sides.

One commenter wrote, "I do worry about the kids being made fun of ... it's not the child's fault. They have enough pressures at school, now having the lunch tray taken away at the end of the line and handed a sack. ... I just don't like it." Others think that the new regulation is "mortifying," "totally unacceptable" and some also suggested that the school should reevaluate it.

While some netizens totally disapproved the new lunch policy and think that it will somehow humiliate the student, some on the other absolved the school from it and hold the parents accountable.

"I find it ridiculous that everyone is blaming the school for this instead of the PARENTS. Parents are notified when their kids' lunch accounts are negative," One commenter said. "There is NO excuse for not paying for your child's lunch. ... People in this country are so entitled it's ridiculous. ... Let's start being more responsible parents, and less entitled citizens, and take care of OUR responsibilities."

Dr. Jeff Hauswald, superintendent of Kokomo School Corporation told WTHR that the new policy in placed follows federal regulations and it is also aligned with other surrounding districts. He also explained that the stringent rule was materialized after the district had to foot the bill for over $50, 000 for the unpaid meals last year. He also explained that it does not apply to students who are eligible for reduced or free lunch.