Free Breakfast Programs Offered At 8 Waukesha Schools: District

Editor's note: A previous version of this story said the school board voted 5-4 in August 2021 to opt out of federal waivers for school meals. The board voted 9-0 in June 2021 to opt out of federal waivers, but reversed the decision in August 2021.

WAUKESHA, WI — Eight Waukesha schools will start free breakfast programs in late March and continue for the rest of the school year, the School District of Waukesha announced Monday.

The school board voted 7-1 on Wednesday to give administrators authority to implement the breakfast programs, superintendent James Sebert told Patch. The federal waiver program will fund breakfast at seven elementary schools and one middle school starting March 28 at no extra cost to families.

The schools include:

• Bethesda Elementary School
• Hillcrest Elementary School
• Meadowbrook Elementary School
• Prairie Elementary School
• Randall STEM Elementary School
• Rose Glen Elementary School
• Summit View Elementary School
• Saratoga STEM Middle School

"It's a win for our students," Greg Deets, a school board member, told Patch. "It's long overdue and could have been implemented seven months ago."

By not providing free breakfast, the district lost $325,000 in federal funds for nearly 20 months, Darren Clark, assistant superintendent for business services, said in a meeting.

In June 2021, the board voted 9-0 to opt out of free federal meals, which brought both national and local backlash. Board members reversed the decision in August 2021 and opted for the Seamless Summer Option.

Board members also voted 8-0 Wednesday to table a motion to hold a breakfast program survey for families served by the eight schools.

Here's the letter sent out to parents Monday.

Related:

• Waukesha School Committee To Discuss Breakfast Surveys
• 'No Brainer', Waukesha School Board Member Says Of Free Breakfast
• 8 Waukesha Schools Not Offering Free Breakfast
• Waukesha Schools Opt Out Of Free Federal Lunch Program