Carthage R-9 | P 5550 Meal Charges

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to maintain consistent meal account procedures throughout the District. Unpaid charges place a financial strain on District finances. The Food Service Department is responsible for maintaining food charge records and for notifying the District’s accounting department of outstanding balances.

Administration

Student Groups:
1. Elementary and intermediate students will be allowed to charge a maximum of five dollars ($5.00).These meals will include only the menu items of the reimbursable meal.After the balance exceeds five dollars ($5.00), the student may be given an alternative meal which will include a cheese sandwich, fruit and choice of milk.The student will be provided the alternative meal on a tray in the lunch line, and will not be charged for this meal.
2. Junior high and high school students will be allowed to charge one meal. Alternate meals are not provided at the junior and senior high school levels.
No charges will be allowed for a la carte foods and beverages.
Adults are not allowed to charge meals.
Parents/guardians of students with negative balances will be contacted electronically, by correspondence, by phone call by the District Accounting Office, or by the Food Service Department.
The District accepts the following methods of payment: Cash, check or electronic payment through My School Bucks.
- On May 1^stannually all charging will be cut off.
- Parents/guardians will be sent a written request for “payment in full.”
- All charges not paid before the end of the school year will be carried forward into the next school year.
Graduating seniors must pay all charges in full.Failure to do so may result in the delinquent student being denied participation in graduation ceremonies.
If a financial hardship is suspected, families will be encouraged to apply for free/reduced meals at any time during the school year.
Each building principal will send a letter to all parents on or before the first day of school notifying them of the requirements of this policy. This policy will also be published on the District’s website.