The Churchill County School District held a Zoom meeting on July 25, 2025, to discuss important updates regarding the Direct Certification Program for families eligible for free and reduced lunch. Starting August 2, the district will receive a file from the state listing families that qualify under the Direct Certification (Direct Cert) criteria. This program allows families to automatically qualify for reduced lunch benefits without needing to submit a formal application.

During the meeting, officials explained that letters will be mailed to these qualifying families in August. Although the exact number of families is still uncertain, estimates suggest that between 1,000 to 1,200 families may benefit from this program. The district is currently troubleshooting issues with the state files, which have not consistently provided the necessary information.

The process aims to simplify the application for families, allowing them to complete a shorter application if they indicate they receive certain benefits. This change is expected to ease the burden on families and streamline the qualification process. Additionally, the district is working on a system to assist other families who may qualify but have not yet applied.

Officials noted that any student moving into the district will have a month to apply for benefits, ensuring they are covered during the transition. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts with other school districts to refine the implementation of this program.

Overall, the Direct Certification initiative is anticipated to significantly support families in need, reducing the need for formal applications and ensuring that eligible students receive necessary lunch benefits promptly.