Board adopts meal-account procedure that continues reimbursable-meal guarantee and outlines collection steps for large negative balances

The Millard Public Schools Board of Education approved second reading of policy 37-19 on student lunch meal accounts Monday, reaffirming the district's commitment to provide a reimbursable meal even if a student's account is unpaid and describing steps the district may take to collect large unpaid balances.

Under the adopted policy, the district will: provide a reimbursable meal consisting of that day's offerings when requested by a student even if the student's meal account is negative; prohibit sale or charging of a la carte items when a student has not prepaid; and coordinate communications with parents or guardians to resolve unpaid charges.

The policy spells out that parents or guardians remain financially responsible for reimbursable meals requested by their student. It also allows the district to pursue reasonable collection actions if an account reaches an outstanding negative balance of $100 or more, including legal methods deemed necessary by the district.

During discussion board members clarified that reimbursable meals conform to federal National School Lunch Program definitions, and that the district's food service staff would lead parent communications. The policy language emphasizes students will not be denied a reimbursable meal on the basis of unpaid parent accounts.

The motion for adoption passed by roll call.