RAPID CITY, SD – Following a decision “not made lightly” according to Rapid City Area Schools CFO Coy Sasse, families whose children are affected by school lunch debt may be sent to collections for nonpayment.
While the district guarantees that no child will ever be denied a meal regardless of their account balance, federal regulations require school lunch programs to operate as self-funded entities. This requirement means the district cannot use general education funds to cover food costs, eventually leaving officials with no choice but to utilize collections processes for unresolved debts to keep the program operational.
Student Nutrition Manager Krista Leischner emphasized that the district prioritizes student well-being above all else.
“Our primary goal is, and always has been, to make sure students are fed and ready to learn, while also maintaining the long-term financial sustainability of the nutrition program,” Leischner said. “We are committed to working with families respectfully and compassionately to find solutions.”
According to the district, referring accounts to collections is a final measure taken only after extensive efforts to help families avoid that outcome. Throughout the school year, the district issues mailed notices, emails, texts and reminders to encourage families to address negative balances or apply for free or reduced-price meals. Staff members are also available to discuss payment plans and connect parents with available support systems.
To assist families who have fallen behind, the district is directing community generosity toward the Fed & Ready to Learn Fund. Established in 2023 by the Black Hills Area Community Foundation and supported by the Rapid City Public School Foundation, this fund is the only official channel designated to pay down negative student meal balances.
While well-intentioned crowdfunding efforts have appeared on platforms like GoFundMe, district officials note that administrative and regulatory limitations make those informal methods difficult to manage. Instead, they urge donors to use the Fed & Ready to Learn Fund to ensure contributions are tax-deductible and applied immediately to where they are needed most.
“We are grateful to partner with Rapid City Area Schools to offer donors a seamless and tax-deductible way to support students,” said Sara Hornick, Executive Director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation.
There is also optimism regarding potential aid from the state level. On Monday, January 26, the South Dakota House Education Committee voted 13-1 to advance legislation that would expand free school lunches for students who qualify for reduced-price meals.
Families in Rapid City, South Dakota, who believe they may qualify for assistance are encouraged to apply through the district website. Those wishing to donate to the Fed & Ready to Learn Fund can do so through the Rapid City Public School Foundation website, rcpsfoundation.org/fed-and-ready.
