Aviation Academy -

Norman Public Schools has not received any formal guidance from the Oklahoma State Department of Education regarding the recent statements by Superintendent Walters about school meal requirements.

There is currently no state law requiring districts to provide free meals to all students, nor have we seen any official rules or directives. While we are monitoring the situation, there is nothing at this time that requires action or causes concern. We are focused on facts, not headlines.

We remain committed to meeting the needs of our students. That includes taking advantage of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows us to provide free meals to more students. Like many districts, we would welcome greater flexibility in how child nutrition funds can be used. If restrictions were lifted, we could better serve families by covering more meal costs.

We are reviewing our data and will continue to be prepared should anything change. But until we receive actual guidance, not just public statements, we will not shift resources away from our day-to-day work. The sky is not falling, and we are not panicking. We are staying focused on students and ready to respond if needed.