This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
It seems pretty sad that the Salt Lake City School District even considered spending, secretly, $49,999 to improve its image after the Uintah Elementary lunch debacle. So it's not a matter of admitting wrongdoing and inappropiate behavior; this seems to be an attempt to justify the hurtful action ("Salt Lake City district backs off PR firm after lunch fiasco," Tribune, Feb. 26).
It's simple, if the district wants to improve its image, it should give the $49,999 to the lunch program and distribute free lunches. How can you punish a kid whose parents might be behind on their lunch payments by as little as a few dollars and then turn around and spend an enormous amount to justify your mean-spirited behavior.
Someone is not learning the lesson! Someone is not very kindhearted. It's sad. The kids and parents should refuse the cupcakes and ask for the $49,999 to be donated for free lunches.
David Montanaro
North Salt Lake