XENIA — Xenia Community Schools implemented two new plans to help support families for the 2024-2025 school year. Under the first plan, the district will no longer collect general academic fees from students and the second plan states how the district is now eligible to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) free breakfast and lunch program for all students (K-12).
“We know that families are struggling and we are doing everything we can to reduce that burden,” said Dr. Gabriel Lofton, superintendent. “I am so proud that our district continues to find ways to help our families and remove barriers — like hunger — that can keep students from thriving in our schools.”
According to school staff, changing guidelines from the state made it possible for XCS to become eligible to participate in the CEP free breakfast and lunch program. In past years, the high school was not eligible for inclusion in the program and instead participated in the Ohio National School Lunch Program (NSLP) which required families to submit paperwork showing eligibility for a free or reduced-price lunch.
The free lunch plan means that all students are eligible to receive a free standard breakfast and lunch on school days at no cost and without filing any additional paperwork. In addition to reducing paperwork, the CEP program benefits the community by eliminating unpaid meal charges, minimizing stigma, and streamlining meal service operations. Students may continue to purchase a-la-carte items for lunch at Warner Middle School and Xenia High School.
At the July 15 meeting of the Board of Education, the district reduced the annual student academic fee to zero. Prior to the upcoming school year, academic fees were $50 per year for K-8 and $100 per year for grades 9-12.
There will still be fees for participation in athletics or other activity groups as well as fees for expenses such as repairs for damaged Chromebooks, field trips, and other similar activities. Guidelines for these fees — including the cap on athletics participation for individuals and families — remain the same and are available at XeniaSchools.org.
Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.
