Western Heights Changes Meal Pick-Up Strategy

Western Heights Public Schools says it's launching a new plan next Monday, April 20 to feed students. The decision was made at the April 13 school board meeting. The board unanimously decided to change their food program strategy from delivering the meals

Tuesday, April 14th 2020, 3:02 am

By: Ashley Holden

Western Heights Changes Meal Pick-Up Strategy

Western Heights Public Schools says it's launching a new plan next Monday, April 20 to feed students.

The decision was made at the April 13 school board meeting.

The board unanimously decided to change their food program strategy from delivering the meals by bus to instead having students pick them up.

Superintendent Mannix Barnes said students and parents will head to three school sites, Greenvale, John Glenn and Winds West. Each person will get bags with five days worth of breakfasts and lunches.

The first time the district temporarily stopped the food program they drew sharp criticism from OKC Mayor David Holt and State Supt. Joy Hofmeister.

Supt. Barnes said he was just trying to protect workers who don't have proper gear and were scared. He said the district is being unfairly targeted, and they got another letter from the state supt. on Monday.

"What was strange about it is there was no mention of any PPE for our employees that we have asked for," said Supt. Barnes. "Again they're out there with unsafe protective equipment, and again State Supt. has yet to show up on the front lines with our workers."

According to the district's website, April 14 staff will also hand out the distance learning packets at the administration building.

Last week the district was also under fire for not having those prepared, but the superintendent said that wasn't true.

The district website said they originally were going to mail out the packets and decided to change that plan due to cost. Supt. Barnes said some packets will still get mailed out, and staff will be working with families to make sure they get the packets.

State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister released the following statement Tuesday evening:

“We’re pleased the Western Heights school board is moving forward with plans to provide meals to its students, as the district recently assured the state of Oklahoma and its community it would do. It is our hope the district will continue to prioritize sustained child nutrition for students throughout these unprecedented circumstances.”

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