As the weather heats up and schools close their doors for the summer, many children who receive nutrition assistance during the academic year go without an adequate food source.
Students who receive free or reduced lunches throughout the school year often times heavily rely on their districts for solid meals, so the Highland Local School District has extended its program into the summer months.
The summer food program will be available for all kids grades Kindergarten through eighth Monday through Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m.
“Based upon census data this is the first year we are eligible,” Highland Local School District Treasurer Jon Mason explained at the April 20 Board of Education meeting.
The site of the program is not yet nailed down but board members are considering Marengo United Methodist Church as a venue.
Additionally, representatives from the Village of Sparta spoke during the open public forum portion of meeting.
Mayor Kottia Jarvis discussed the logistics of annexing a parcel of land in the village, an action the school district is hoping to do.
Board members stated they would meet with legal counsel before making an official decision regarding the land annexation matter.
The board also approved the resignation of varsity boys’ basketball coach Matt Bradley. He will retain his position as middle school principal.