Central School Board approves new lunch collection policy

Central Parents/Guardians,

Over the last couple months the Central School Board has been discussing implementing a new school lunch policy to address the concern of delinquent lunch accounts.  At one time last year the District was owed $6000 in unpaid lunch accounts.  As of today, the district is owed $3000 with the number growing monthly and no previous policy to address the concern.  Having a healthy lunch account balance affects all Central Stakeholders and taxpayers equally.  Due to this concern the Central School Board requested me to research and present a policy to address delinquent lunch accounts. 

Much discussion took place on what is “fair” and not punishing Central students.  I feel the approved policy is both “fair” and does not punish Central students.  As long as parents/guardians communicate with the school district, NO CHILD will receive an alternative meal.  If parents/guardians refuse to communicate and work with the school district, then yes, their child/ren will receive an alternative meal until communication and a payment plan are in place.  Parents/guardians are also reminded that at anytime they can fill out a free & reduced lunch application if financial circumstances change.  Central also offers a backpack program to help with ensuring our students are eating at home.  All of this information is kept confidential.

I believe you will find the approved policy, which goes into effect immediately, to be one of ample opportunity to address delinquent accounts and a policy that is very similar to policies used effectively by the majority of school districts across the Nation.  The new policy is as follows:

Code No. 710.5 DISTRICT FOOD SERVICE ACCOUNT COLLECTION

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students are required to pay for meals and milk in advance and maintain a positive “account” balance.  It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to keep track of the balance in their account and make timely payments to the school to avert a negative balance.  Payments for meals and/or milk should be made to the school or district office.

LOW BALANCE NOTICE:

The District Office will review accounts on a daily basis.  When an account drops below $0.00, an account statement is sent by mail or email.  Once an account is 30 days past due, a phone call from the Superintendent will be made informing parent(s)/guardian(s) that they have 15 days to develop an agreed upon payment plan with the district.  If a plan and attempt to pay has not been made after 45 days past due, students will receive a sandwich as the main dish until an approved payment plan is in place.  If the family account has a negative balance of $10.00 or more, students will not be allowed to charge ala carte purchases.

PAST DUE ACCOUNTS:

The District may file a claim with small claims court or utilize the services of a collection agency and/or legal counsel to secure the collection of unpaid food service debt that is forty-five or more days past due.  Any charges associated with a small claims court filing or fees charged by a collection agency shall be added to the unpaid debt due the District.  The District will delay such action when a parent/guardian agrees to and makes timely payments in accordance with an alternative payment plan to eliminate the debt.

First Reading:   September 15, 2014           Second Reading:  October 20, 2014

If you have any questions surrounding the new policy please feel free to contact me by phone or email.