A $21,000 donation to help the district pay down student food debt balances is a pleasant surprise for the Francis Howell Schools District as it begins the new academic year.
Francis Howell Schools District (Photo: Fox2 Now)
‘Surprise’ donation to help Francis Howell Schools
According to Fox2 Now, recently, Scott Otey, a parent in the district, took the initiative to support youngsters in need. He handed the district’s finance director a $21,000 check earlier this week. In an effort to help pupils and raise money, Otey tells FOX 2 that he just partnered with parents.
“A lot can be accomplished when trust and transparency exist. It’s something that society desperately needs, and I wanted to restore some hope,” Otey told FOX 2 when asked about the motivation for the gift.
Otey received a letter of gratitude and a receipt for his donation from the Francis Howell Schools District, which added “it’s greatly appreciated” at the end of the letter.
According to Jennifer Jolls, the Francis Howell Schools District’s chief communications officer, “We are kind of surprised by this.” “I think it’s just a great example of a parent wanting to do good who saw a need in the community, organized the effort, and got an amazing response.”
Francis Howell Schools Tackle Student Lunch Debt
As per the report of KWULF, the Francis Howell Schools Board of Education will be asked to determine whether to accept the donation during a board meeting in September before it can be handled legally. However, in a post-pandemic school setting, the school district sees a need for assistance with school lunches.
Jolls said FOX 2 in a phone call on Wednesday that the federal government aided with the provision of meals for all pupils and covered a variety of charges. Last year, that support came to an end, forcing students—including those who usually apply for lunch benefits—to start paying for meals once more.
In order to ensure that children with these low account balances are brought up to date and receive hot meals, we will be able to use these monies very effectively, said Jolls.
The Lunch Heroes program is another way for parents to support the Francis Howell Schools District and children who require lunch assistance. Donations are appreciated.
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