Belpre City Schools Treasurer Lance Erlwein speaks to the Belpre Board of Education Monday concerning community donations that paid off all remaining student meal debt from last school year. (Photo by Michael Erb)

BELPRE — Donations from community members and groups have paid off outstanding meal bills for all Belpre City Schools students, allowing for a fresh start this coming school year.

Officials announced the donations at Monday’s meeting of the Belpre Board of Education, but are asking parents to still apply for free- and reduced-price meals this year if they are eligible.

“At the end of last year before COVID shut the schools down, we had a number of groups that generously volunteered and paid off the negative lunch balances. Everyone this year is starting out with a clean slate,” said Lance Erlwein, treasurer for Belpre City Schools.

Superintendent Jeff Greenley said the donations totaled about $1,500 and were provided by Fred Hart, Rockland United Methodist Church, and the Southern Cruisers Club.

“That was really nice,” Erlwein said.

But officials added it is still important for families to apply for the state and federal free- and reduced-price meal program so that all families which qualify receive those services. Erlwein said components of the district’s state and federal funding are based upon the percentage of students qualifying for those programs.

“Not only is it a great thing for local families, but it is a great thing for the city school district as the state considers its funding levels,” he said.

Officials said meal programs will be different this year in order to help students maintain social distance and to not have them gather in one area.

“At the elementary we are not opening up the cafeteria. Lunches will be eaten in the classroom,” Erlwein said. “At the high school, we’ve got more tables so students can socially distance.”

Erlwein said to help reduce the number of students eating at the school at lunchtime, juniors and seniors at the high school will have an open lunch, meaning they can leave school grounds.