Colstrip board approves first reading of meal‑charge policy and raises adult meal and milk prices

Trustees of the Colstrip Public Schools Board on a motion approved a first reading of a revised meal‑charge policy intended to ensure students continue to receive regular, nutritious meals while strengthening collection procedures for unpaid lunch balances.

The proposal, presented by food‑service staff, keeps the district’s practice of supplying meals to students who lack funds but adds clearer steps for parents, a schedule for low‑balance notices (including weekly robocalls at customizable thresholds), and a provision allowing the business office to refer long‑outstanding negative balances to a collection agency after the board sets a dollar threshold. Presenter (food‑service staff) said the plan “ensures this nutritious needs of the student are met by providing the student with a regular meal” while encouraging families to apply for free or reduced‑price meals when appropriate.

During public comment and board discussion trustees emphasized two priorities: not denying a child a meal and avoiding unchecked, growing negative balances that shift costs to the general fund. One trustee said, “I would never be in favor of not feeding a kid,” and a parent urged clear notice procedures so families know when accounts are low.

Separately under agenda item 9.12 the board debated and then approved an amendment to increase adult prices for the 2024‑25 school year. The final motion, adopted after an amendment, raised visitor/employee adult lunches from $4.00 to $5.00, adult breakfasts from $2.25 to $3.00, and the price charged for extra milk from $0.50 to $0.75. The motion included direction for the business office to specify a sensible collection threshold before referring accounts to a collection agency.

Administrators said the increases align adult prices with federal reimbursement guidance and make the extra‑milk charge more reflective of the district’s invoice costs. A parent who supports the change said she would “be happy to pay more money” if it helps school operations. Trustees asked administrators to research and propose a minimum dollar amount that would trigger referral to collections to avoid sending very small balances to collection agencies.

Next steps: the meal‑charge policy will return for a second reading with refined language about who within administration is the designated representative and with a recommended collection‑threshold figure for board approval.