LINCOLN — The Nebraska Department of Education has ruled that a school district’s use of student nutrition funds to purchase two large digital scoreboards for a gym was inappropriate, according to a statement issued Monday.
The controversy stems from a decision by the Chase County public school district in southwest Nebraska to spend $125,000 from its nonprofit school food account on the scoreboards. The expenditure was flagged last week by Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley, who criticized the district’s use of funds designated for student nutrition.
In response, the school district defended its actions, stating that the purchase was made “appropriately and transparently” after consulting with the Nebraska Department of Education. A law firm representing the district further explained that while the scoreboards are used for sports events, they also display nutritional information for students. According to the firm, the boards are part of a longstanding practice where students view nutrition messages while lining up in the gym on their way to the cafeteria.
However, the district indicated it was willing to take corrective action if required by the State Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
On Monday, David Jespersen, a spokesman for the Nebraska Department of Education, confirmed that the department would require the school to submit quotes for three smaller display monitors intended solely for menu displays. The chosen monitor must be approved by the department. Jespersen also stated that the school would be required to repay the nutrition fund, with the repayment amount reduced by the cost of the approved display.
“The original expense does not meet funding requirements for approval,” Jespersen said.
