About 26 million public-school students, just over half in the U.S., are considered low-income and rely on free or reduced-price meals at school. In recent years, school districts and government agencies have increased focus on feeding students, even providing them dinner after school. Many school leaders say their jobs extend beyond education to making sure students are fed and receive proper care.
The Ferguson-Florissant district said April 5 that one of its bus drivers tested positive for the coronavirus and died that day. Another bus driver, who died the day prior after a prolonged illness, had symptoms associated with the virus. Four other employees in the district have tested positive.
The drivers last worked in the district on March 20. District officials said they don’t believe that students or families came in contact with the drivers or the other employees who tested positive. The district, which serves a mostly poor student body in the St. Louis metro area, said it is seeking safer alternatives for food service and hopes to have something in place this week. One idea being considered is cooperating with neighboring districts in a regional food operation to limit staffing and reduce contact.