A complex issue concerning a $8,600 deficit in student meal accounts, created by families who left meal accounts unpaid for several months, remains unsolved by the Richmond R-XVI School Board. During a recent meeting, school board director of operations Jeff Southwick explained although some students accounts show a debt, they still receive a “free” breakfast or lunch, since the schools cannot let them go hungry. The administration has contacted these families several times, with no response from many of them. All students have an account at their school and parents are expected to keep money in these accounts to cover the cost of meals, Southwick explained. While many students pay the full price for food, other students pay a reduced amount and still others receive meals free. In order qualify to receive free or reduced cost meals at the schools, parents can fill out a form which provides their financial information. The state uses these forms to determine how much funding schools…