Lunch debt program aiding struggling families in state

Oklahomans for Public Education and the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition are proud to announce their joint foundering initiative aimed at helping struggling families and school districts pay off student lunch debt.

With many school districts in Oklahoma burdened by substantial lunch debt, families find themselves unable to meet these financial obligations, leading to potential consequences such as collections at the end of the school year.

The dire situation faced by these families and school districts prompted Oklahomans for Public Education and the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition to take action.

By organizing this fund-raiser, they hope to alleviate the financial strain on families and prevent the need for collections.

Several school districts have already reached out to the advocacy groups for assistance. The current outstanding balances from these districts are as follows:

- Lexington Public Schools: $4,650.00

- Vanoss Public Schools: $9,258.00

- Hayes Elementary (Enid PS): $3,178.00

- Clinton Public Schools: $20,067.00

- Stillwater Public Schools: $37,003.00

Additional balances from other school districts will be added as they are received. The impact of this initiative has already been felt, as a local manufacturing business in Duncan generously paid off the entire balance for Duncan Public Schools upon learning about the fund-raiser.

To ensure transparency and accountability, Oklahomans for Public Education and the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition are working in conjunction with a 501c3 organization. This collaboration allows them to provide tax receipts for single contributions of $250 or more, giving donors the opportunity to support this cause while also receiving a tax benefit.

The total amount that needs to be raised to eliminate the outstanding lunch debt is $74,156. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in the lives of struggling families and the educational institutions they rely on.

To donate and support this crucial cause, please visit http://www.okruralschools.org/school-meal-assistance.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact Angela Clark Little or Erika Buzzard Wright Founders Oklahomans for Public Education. Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition 405-795-3002 405-630-6538 Ok4publicEd@gmail.com Okruralschoolscoalition@gmail.com.