Board renews districtwide free breakfast and lunch under CEP

The West Allis‑West Milwaukee School Board voted May 18 to renew the districtwide Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), continuing free breakfast and lunch for all students next school year.

Staff said the district is entering its fifth year operating CEP and that recent fund reports show Fund 50 revenues and expenses balancing while the district continues to account for meal service staffing and custodial time tied to breakfast service. A presenter told the board the renewal is being requested now so the district can submit required paperwork to the state Department of Public Instruction (DPI) before the end of May.

Board member Mr. Lee suggested exploring a policy change that would make universal free meals a default program rather than an annual action item; staff responded that federal and DPI requirements may necessitate annual approvals and that they would research whether a policy change is feasible.

One board member raised a question about food‑cost inflation and long‑term affordability; staff said federal support and current revenue levels have so far offset annual increases tied to CPI and that they will continue to monitor costs.

The board approved the CEP renewal by voice vote. Staff will follow up with the finance committee and report back on whether a policy change is possible under DPI rules and on any budget implications going forward.