United ISD revises student handbook language on outside food, clarifies exceptions

United Independent School District staff updated proposed 2025–26 student handbook language to prohibit outside food except when a student brings it in their lunchbox and to add guidance for rare, extenuating situations when a parent may need to bring food.

Staff told trustees the handbook language was revised after discussion and now prohibits outside food unless it is the child’s own lunch in a lunchbox; if a student forgets their lunch, school administration and staff will work with the parent on a case‑by‑case basis for infrequent or extenuating situations. The district also added language addressing student birthdays and other celebrations and reiterated that school meals will remain available for children.

Why it matters: handbook language governs daily campus practices and affects how schools manage deliveries and outside food at events. Staff said the change is intended to limit outside food but preserve flexibility for exceptional circumstances.

Board action: the item was presented as informational; staff asked whether there were questions and none were raised in open session. Staff said they will finalize the handbook language and bring it forward as needed.