Supplementing SNAP for FJUHSD students

Superintendent Dr. Steve McLaughlin, mentioned that FJUHSD had extended nutritional services during the recent federal government shutdown that suspended Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allocations for families. FJUHSD currently has over 58% of its student population qualifying for these food allocations, and this government closure compromised many families’ ability to feed themselves.

All FJUHSD students currently receive free breakfast and lunch every day school is in session. The district’s selective dinner service was extended to all school locations, and FJUHSD Nutritional Services provided weekend packages of sandwiches, snacks, and fruit for students to pick up on October 31 and November 7 to cover some basic food needs while the federal standoff continued.

Families who were signed up for these services were contacted by the district before October 31 to inform them of the accommodations.

If you attend a FJUHSD school and believe your family may qualify for SNAP benefits, contact FJUHSD nutritional services at (714) 870-2820. Students who qualify may also be eligible for additional benefits like Wi-Fi hot spots, reduced utility bills, summer food relief, bus passes, drivers’ education, free or reduced fees for AP, SAT, PSAT, and ACT tests, and free UC and CSU application fees.

Updated Board Policies

Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Dr. Karl Zener presented updated FJUHSD board policies concerning student pregnancy and staff lactation accommodation.

• Board Policy 4033 states the district must accommodate any staff member who needs privacy, electrical outlets, refrigeration, and time to express breast milk for a newborn child for up to one year.
Staff members must request accommodations before returning to work, and if accommodations are denied, the Superintendent must provide the reasons for denial in writing to the employee in a timely manner.
• Board Policy 5146 addresses that students who are married, parents, or pregnant are entitled to a free public education. Students may choose to stay in their home school’s regular program or attend La Vista High School’s modified Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting Program (TAPP).
Legally married students become emancipated, even if under the age 18, and take full responsibility for their education decisions from that time. Board policy covers absences, childcare accommodations, health care, and education options for student parents.

This policy is referenced in the student handbook given to students and parents at the beginning of each school year.

Organizational meeting for FJUHSD board will be December 9 at 6 pm.