Union County Public Schools will be implementing a food service action plan beginning on Wednesday, December 18th in effort to collect outstanding student lunch charges district-wide. Despite repeated notifications to families regarding outstanding cafeteria charges, many student charge accounts are not being paid and are still growing. The outstanding balance for student food service charges has ballooned to a total of $32,220 since 2012.
Because the Food Service fund had decreased significantly, the superintendent along with the finance director and auditor analyzed trend data to determine a course for improvement. By looking at the fund with this microscopic lens, it was apparent that a substantial portion of the fund’s deficit was the result of outstanding student charges. Since collection efforts by the Food Service Department over the last year have not brought in payments on outstanding accounts, it has become necessary for more aggressive measures.
As one of the two proprietary funds in the district, the food service fund has required a transfer of cash from the district’s general fund to cover shortfalls over the last three years. The district’s overall budget, however, is becoming tighter and cannot supplement the excessive amounts of charges. All school districts in Kentucky (Union County included) have been largely impacted by reductions in state and federal funding in every area such as textbooks, professional development, and per pupil (SEEK) base funding along with an increase in expenses due to unfunded state-mandated programs and services. Despite the Union County district’s proactive $1,000,000 budget reduction last year and continuous cost-saving measures, the general fund has suffered a significant loss of state funding and is still projected to end the year with expenses exceeding revenue.
With a goal of transparency in all areas of the district, the superintendent has been involved in goal-setting for every department. Because of reduced state revenue, it has been a special focus to set goals to reduce spending and exhibit due diligence in the management of funds. All departments have responded well and have made significant budget revisions in effort to be fiscally responsible while continuing to offer quality customer service.
By putting an aggressive action plan in place for the Food Service department, the district looks to have most of the student charges paid by January 20, 2014. If payment or payment arrangements are not made by January 20, 2014 the student will only be allowed to receive a designated alternate meal consisting of a peanut butter sandwich and milk (for allergy concerns only, a grilled cheese will be available). In addition to the alternate meal, the student’s participation in extracurricular activities may be restricted. Finally, for outstanding student accounts where no payment or attempt at payment is made, the district may pursue legal options available through the court.
Struggling families can apply for Free or Reduced Meals through the district’s food service program. Students who are on Free and Reduced programs can eat breakfast and lunch in the school cafeterias free or at a reduced rate and the food service program is reimbursed for those meals through the federal government. Families who do not qualify for Free and Reduced meals are considered “Paid” lunches in where the student must pay the full cost of the meal. The Paid lunches represent the majority of outstanding student charges.
Collection efforts will begin on December 18th for all students who have a balance that exceeds the $6.25 allowable charge limit set by Food Service policy.
Families who would like to inquire about paying charge accounts in full, setting up a payment plan, or filling out an application for Free and Reduced Meals, may contact the Food Service Department at 389-0263.
Because the Food Service fund had decreased significantly, the superintendent along with the finance director and auditor analyzed trend data to determine a course for improvement. By looking at the fund with this microscopic lens, it was apparent that a substantial portion of the fund’s deficit was the result of outstanding student charges. Since collection efforts by the Food Service Department over the last year have not brought in payments on outstanding accounts, it has become necessary for more aggressive measures.
As one of the two proprietary funds in the district, the food service fund has required a transfer of cash from the district’s general fund to cover shortfalls over the last three years. The district’s overall budget, however, is becoming tighter and cannot supplement the excessive amounts of charges. All school districts in Kentucky (Union County included) have been largely impacted by reductions in state and federal funding in every area such as textbooks, professional development, and per pupil (SEEK) base funding along with an increase in expenses due to unfunded state-mandated programs and services. Despite the Union County district’s proactive $1,000,000 budget reduction last year and continuous cost-saving measures, the general fund has suffered a significant loss of state funding and is still projected to end the year with expenses exceeding revenue.
With a goal of transparency in all areas of the district, the superintendent has been involved in goal-setting for every department. Because of reduced state revenue, it has been a special focus to set goals to reduce spending and exhibit due diligence in the management of funds. All departments have responded well and have made significant budget revisions in effort to be fiscally responsible while continuing to offer quality customer service.
By putting an aggressive action plan in place for the Food Service department, the district looks to have most of the student charges paid by January 20, 2014. If payment or payment arrangements are not made by January 20, 2014 the student will only be allowed to receive a designated alternate meal consisting of a peanut butter sandwich and milk (for allergy concerns only, a grilled cheese will be available). In addition to the alternate meal, the student’s participation in extracurricular activities may be restricted. Finally, for outstanding student accounts where no payment or attempt at payment is made, the district may pursue legal options available through the court.
Struggling families can apply for Free or Reduced Meals through the district’s food service program. Students who are on Free and Reduced programs can eat breakfast and lunch in the school cafeterias free or at a reduced rate and the food service program is reimbursed for those meals through the federal government. Families who do not qualify for Free and Reduced meals are considered “Paid” lunches in where the student must pay the full cost of the meal. The Paid lunches represent the majority of outstanding student charges.
Collection efforts will begin on December 18th for all students who have a balance that exceeds the $6.25 allowable charge limit set by Food Service policy.
Families who would like to inquire about paying charge accounts in full, setting up a payment plan, or filling out an application for Free and Reduced Meals, may contact the Food Service Department at 389-0263.