Changes for 24-25 School Year

Changes for Fall 2024 to Support XCS Families
Posted on 07/19/2024
For the 2024-2025 school year, Xenia Community Schools will be implementing two plans to help support families: 1) the district will no longer collect general Academic fees from students, and 2) the district is now eligible to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) free breakfast and lunch program for all students (K-12).

“We know that families are struggling, and we are doing everything we can to reduce that burden,” said Dr. Gabriel Lofton, Superintendent. “I am so proud that our district continues to find ways to help our families and remove barriers – like hunger! – that can keep students from thriving in our schools.”


Community Eligibility Program (CEP): FREE Breakfast and Lunch for K-12

Due to changing guidelines from the state, Xenia Community Schools is now eligible to participate in the CEP free breakfast and lunch program for all students (K-12). 

This is a change from previous years, where the high school was not eligible for inclusion in the program, and instead participated in the Ohio's National School Lunch Program (NSLP), which required families to submit paperwork showing eligibility for a free or reduced-price lunch. 

Participation in this program for the 24-25 school year means that all students are eligible to receive a free standard breakfast and lunch on school days at no cost, and without filing any additional paperwork. In addition to reducing paperwork, the CEP program benefits our community by eliminating unpaid meal charges, minimizing stigma, and streamlining meal service operations. 

Students may continue to purchase a la carte items for lunch at Warner Middle School and Xenia High School, as well as a second lunch at any building.

Students may also choose to pay in cash for those items, but should note that effective August 20, 2024, any "change due" for a purchase made with cash will be issued as a credit on their individual lunch account rather than in cash. This account balance can be used for future purchases, and can roll over from year-to-year. Any account balance can also be refunded by request upon leaving the district (withdraw or graduation). 

Eliminating the Annual Academic Fee (K-12)

At the July 15 meeting of the Board of Education, the district reduced the annual student Academic Fee to $0.

Families should be aware that the district will still have fees for participation in Athletics or other activity groups, as well as fees for expenses such as repairs for damaged Chromebooks, field trips, and other similar activities. Guidelines for these fees, including the cap on Athletics participation for individuals and families, remain the same and are available here

Prior to the coming school year, the fee was $50 per year for K-8; $100 per year for grades 9-12.