Nettle Creek asks all to apply for lunch program

With nearly half of all students already qualifying for free or reduced lunches, Nettle Creek school officials are encouraging families to apply for the program to help qualify for funding that would assist the whole district.

Some grant funding for schools requires that at least half of all students in a school district meet income qualifications for the free or reduced lunch program. In Nettle Creek, 44.8% qualified in 2023-24. To qualify, families must complete an online-only application, Emily Schaeffer, superintendent, told the school board on July 31.

Families are asked to apply during school registration and at other times. Some families who qualify do not submit applications because they believe they don’t need the program. But, “It’s important for all families to fill it (the application) out,” Schaeffer said.

Grant funding supplements money available from local property tax, state school aid and other sources.

“If more people understood how this affects everyone, they might be more willing” to apply, board member Sandi Schraub said.

Discussion came as the board agreed to raise the school lunch price for 2024-25. Lunch at both school buildings will cost $3.30. That is 20 cents more at Hagerstown High School and 10 cents more at Hagerstown Elementary. The reduced-price rate is 40 cents. The state’s weighted average school lunch price is $3.85.

In response to board questions, corporation treasurer Amber Rushton reported that unpaid school lunch bills now total about $17,000. Board member Dan Davis Jr. said that’s much better than several years ago, when lunch debt totaled over $100,000.

The board also renewed agreements with Centerstone and IU East. Centerstone provides mental health support services for about 200 Nettle Creek students. The agreement with IU East allows high school students to earn high school and college credit for some classes taken at IU East. Nine students participated in the program last year, Schaeffer reported.

Without public discussion, the board also approved terms of a legal settlement. Schaeffer said she could not discuss the confidential settlement. The board had conducted a closed-door executive session before the public board meeting.

The board approved the following personnel actions.

• Certified staff: Tarissa Gregory, ICP teacher; Madison Miller, high school English/language arts teacher; Bruce Swallow and Kami Combs, elementary teachers.
• Noncertified staff: Ronald Lewis, Aleesha Study, Amanda Miller, Ashlynn Oliger, high school instructional assistants; Shannon Harter, elementary secretary and Title I clerk; Kallie Rose, elementary IA; Desiree Cones and Laura Schaffner, daycare/preschool assistants.
• Departures: Michelle Hart, HJSHS English/language arts; Haylee Haskett, HJSHS IA; Rachel Bowen, HES secretary/Title I clerk; Madison Davis and Adam Comer, HES teachers; Paige Stuart and Courtney Diercks, HES IA; Wayne Atkinson, bus driver.
• Jump Start/ECA change: Jodi Young, HJSHS math; Mary Randall, HJSHS mentor teacher.
• Fall ECA hires: Kent Gray, cross country coach; Jason Schmittler, junior high cross country; Scott Snodgrass, football head coach; Brandon Lester and Ryan Pass, football assistants; Jeb Clifton, JV and freshman football; Caleb Blaase, JV and freshman football assistant; Chuck Golliher, Ryan Sams and Peyton Meyer, JH football; Chris Robertson, boys tennis; Steve Abshire, girls golf; Brian Dale, volleyball head coach; Ashley Vinson and Laynie Vinson, JV volleyball; Hannah Rogers, eighth grade volleyball; Jada Briar, seventh grade volleyball; Betsy Swimm, elementary volleyball; Glen Meek, fall high school athletic supervision; Kayla Vinson, varsity and JV cheerleading; Chloe Beaty and Erica Glunt, freshman cheerleading; Marissa Favorite, JH cheerleading.
• Extracurricular volunteers: Tom Golliher, Chuck Golliher, Phil Renforth, Peyton Renforth, football; David Moore, JH football; Whitney Robertson, boys tennis; Jill Leversedge, girls golf; Kendall Wolfe, Betsy Swimm, Nate Logston, Bailey Jeffries, volleyball.

The board’s next regular meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14, in the Hagerstown Elementary LGI room, 299 N. Sycamore St. The public may attend.