The Carroll Community School District (CCSD) Board of Education has adopted a policy similar to many other districts, one that places a limit on the amount a lunch account balance can be in the negative. Under the new policy, students may no longer charge ala carte, extra entrees or breakfast when their account is in arrears $40 or more. Students will be allowed to charge three additional lunches before they will be refused any more attempts at charging their meal. Many believe schools are denying food to students, but Superintendent, Rob Cordes, says this is not the case.
Schools are not required to provide food for most students, but rather provide it as a convenience for families. However, the state is requiring all districts to have some sort of policy on record regarding negative food service balances as this has become an increasingly common issue. Business Manager, Gary Bengtson, says these policies are not popular, but they are effective.
The district has very few issues with lunch debts, recording only $400 total owed. Bengtson added the school must operate their food-service account in the black if they wish to continue to provide meals. Cordes says there is no reason a child should go hungry if a student or their family cannot afford it.
This policy change will only affect students who are not on the free or reduced lunch program and it does not alter the summer lunch program, which operates out of Adams Elementary. The policy was approved unanimously by the board along with a motion to waive the second reading.
