“If they pass the weight check at the administrative office, yes,” Vance said.

He looked over at the cafeteria serving line, where two kitchen workers were wiping down the stainless trays with yellow sponges.

“Our assistant lunch clerk went on extended leave yesterday.

It’s fourteen dollars an hour, fifteen hours a week, starting Thursday.”

My right thumb rubbed hard over my knuckles as I looked at the long tray line.

“Does the job come with district health coverage?”

“Full pediatric coverage after thirty days,” Vance said.