A Texarkana mother is upset and speaking out about a note sent home with her student from College Hill Middle School regarding lunch plans at the TASD campus. We reached out to TASD Superintendent Dr. Becky Kesler for some clarification.
A local woman, that asked not to be identified, was deeply disturbed by the note that was in her child’s back pack after the first day of the new school year.
She told TexarkanaFYI.com,
Honestly, it made me cry, because not too long ago when my kids first started school I didn’t have money to give for lunch. Of course they were approved for free lunches but for other kids. It just breaks my heart to think how this would make them feel and how their parents that don’t have the money feel.
We spoke with Texarkana Arkansas School District Superintendent Dr. Becky Kesler and she told us,
As the superintendent I would like to apologize for the letter that was sent home to College Hill Middle School students on Monday. My office was made aware of the letter after it was posted on your site. Although TASD has adopted the Arkansas School Boards Association’s recommended Food Service Prepayment (no charge) policy, the tone of the letter was harsh and did not adequately explain the process. A district wide call out was made to all parents and students and we hope all of our parents have a clearer understanding of the process. The District provides alternative meals at no cost to students whose accounts do not have enough funds to purchase a meal. Alternative meals are available during lunch. Households that are having difficulty paying for lunch should contact the TASD Food Service Department at (870)772-1401.
This was just an unfortunate misunderstanding in the way the note was worded. The staff of TASD is dedicated to their students, their education, safety and well being. No students will ever be made to go hungry!
