As excitement builds for Smyrna High School's homecoming dance, there is a caveat that has stirred debate among parents and the school district.
If students plan on going to homecoming, they must settle any un-paid lunch bills first. It's not a new school requirement, but this year some parents are asking whether or not it's fair.
Smyrna School District tells WBOC no student is denied food if they can't pay for it. However, if students rack up more than $20 in lunch debt, they cannot participate in extra curriculars such as the dance.
Parents, like Roo Parag, think students should not be punished for their parents' financial problems.
"What haunts me the most is that kids are under 18 and they should not be responsible for their parents' debt," she said.
It was an issue that also drew more than 100 comments from district parents on social media. One said it "seems a little messed up to punish and embarrass children in this way."
Thursday, Smyrna School District released a two page statement on the matter. The district said it has more than $16,000 in lunch debt, that has accrued over multiple years, and that it needs to be paid off.
Failing to return school supplies is another thing that can keep students from attending homecoming. Something Parag said makes sense.
"If they break their Chromebooks, I completely agree they need to pay that off before than can go to social events," she said. "But we should not use food as a motivator or a consequence."
Currently only North Smyrna Elementary meets federal guidelines to provide free lunch to all students. However, the district said all families can apply for free or reduced-price lunch here.
One parent has also created a GoFundMe page to help out with the district's debt problem. It can be found here.