News – Sheridan Media
At the July board of trustees meeting on July 14, SCSD#2 announced their participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program, a significant step in the district’s food service program.
Eligible schools include Henry A. Coffeen, Highland Park, Woodland Park, Meadowlark, Sagebrush, The Wright Place, and John C. Schiffer Collaborative School, as well as Story Elementary.
Scott Stults, superintendent, added,
Brannon Finney, Business Manager, said that for Sheridan County School District No. 2, this means that starting July 1, 2025, and continuing for the next four school years through June 30, 2029, all students at participating schools will receive nutritious meals at no cost.
SCSD#2’s eligibility for the CEP program is a testament to the district’s deep connection to the community and their understanding of its needs. With an Identified Student Percentage (ISP) of 35.26% for their main elementary schools (representing 1,716 students) and 39.13% for Story Elementary (23 students), the district meets and exceeds the federal requirement of 25%. This percentage reflects the number of students directly certified for free meals through programs like SNAP, FDPIR, Medicaid, or identified as foster, homeless, or runaway.
The benefits of the CEP program are far-reaching and directly align with our district’s values:
Ensuring Every Child is Fed: No child should ever have to worry about where their next meal will come from. By providing free meals to all, we eliminate hunger as a barrier to learning, ensuring that every student is nourished and ready to focus on their studies.
Promoting Academic Success: Research consistently shows a strong link between proper nutrition and academic achievement. Well-fed students are better able to concentrate, retain information, and perform at their best. This program directly contributes to a more conducive learning environment for all.
Reducing Stigma: The CEP program removes the distinction between paying and non-paying students, fostering a more inclusive and equitable school environment. All students receive meals together, promoting a sense of community and reducing any potential stigma associated with free or reduced-price meals.
“Sheridan County School District No. 2 is more than just a place of learning; it is a vital part of the fabric of Sheridan. Our participation in the Community Eligibility Provision program is a clear demonstration of our unwavering commitment to the educational success and health of every child,” Finney said. “By having nourished students who are focusing on learning we in turn are investing in the next generation of our community.”
At SCSD#2 they look forward to the positive impact this program will have on their students, families, and the broader Sheridan area.
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Last modified: July 17, 2025