By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
It’s been published before that there is an astonishing number associated with unpaid lunch bills within Tucker County Schools. Prior to the free lunch program being implemented county wide, the full price for lunches were only around one dollar, though that can quickly get out of hand if multiple students do not pay on time.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and Leadmine United Methodists Women’s Group stepped up and decided to make a contribution towards this debt. Debby Fike, Secretary to the Superintendent of Tucker County Schools noted the total is still roughly $33,000 that is owed. “Some parents have paid,” said Fike, but obviously numerous families have not. St. Paul’s gave a general donation and asked for it to be applied to the overall debt. Fike explained they began with students who received reduced lunch or should have qualified for free though didn’t submit proper documentation and applied the donations to those students first. The Leadmine Women composed a list of students residing in that community and/or attending their church and asked their funds to go towards their bills first with any leftover to be applied to the general debt. Together, these two churches donated enough to pay off around 22 past due accounts.
Wayne Smith, member of St. Paul’s Board, found out about the debt and brought it to the attention of the other members. “We thought yea, it’s a good thing, we ought to do something.” Their goal, along with their donation, is to challenge other churches or organization to help bring down this debt and support the local school system. “Our goal is to give away money and if we know of something and can, we try to donate,” said Smith. “We feel that’s our place to give when we can.”
Heather Lantz, Tucker County Schools Teacher and President of the Leadmine United Methodists Women’s Group, was asked how they decided to contribute to the same cause. She said, “One of the ladies mentioned that she had heard that was a need.” Lantz then emailed the board office and the women in the group assisted with the donation. “We knew it would help someone in our community and that’s all that mattered to us.”
With still over $30,000 in debt, Fike said, “I still send out bills monthly.” Superintendent Alicia Lambert stated that even though all students countywide are now receiving free lunch, this still comes at a cost to the school system. “That’s why it’s so important they pay their bills, and then we can continue to offer this free service,” added Lambert. She also added, “We’re talking about taking them to magistrate court, but we’re hoping they’ll pay their bills.” Fike mentioned that she will gladly take payments and work out a plan with the families who would express a desire to do so.
For more information on how to pay your bill or if you’d like to contribute to the cause and join St. Paul’s and Leadmine’s initiative, you can contact the Tucker County Board of Education Office at 304-478-2771.
