The following letter was released regarding the 2017-18 meal charging policy at Middleburgh Central Schools.
Dear Families,
Beginning with the 2017-18 school year, school food authorities in New York State are required to have a written and clearly communicated policy to address student meal charges when payment cannot be collected at the time of service.
The meal charging policy at Middleburgh Central School District includes a grace period during which students may charge – but will not be permitted to exceed – a limit of 5 meals, as set forth by the MCS Board of Education Policy 5660. Students will not be permitted to exceed that limit until any outstanding charges are paid in full.
If this charging limit has been reached and the student comes to school without a lunch, an alternative meal will be provided to the student so that he or she has access to a meal during the school day.
Unpaid meal charges will be addressed directly with the parent or guardian responsible for providing funds for the student’s meal purchases. If the parent or guardian has not made any payments in an effort to reduce the student’s negative balance or fails to bring the student’s account in to good standing within 30 days, district administration may consider utilizing a collection agency to handle collections and any associated costs with this process. If the student continues to come to school without a meal after exceeding the meal charge limit, district administration is authorized to contact social services.
Notifications of overdue balances are sent out on a biweekly basis. This notification will either be sent home from school with the student or mailed directly to the student’s home address on file, along with an application for free and reduced school meals. Applications must be completed on an annual basis and may be filed at any time during the school year.
As always, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your students healthy and nutritious meals, and we thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a happy and healthy 2017-18 school year.
Sincerely,
Barbara Moore, Food Services Director
Middleburgh Central School District