Unpaid Meal Charge Guidelines 

The guidelines you provided are designed to ensure that the Celina Independent School District's meal account procedures are consistent with State and Federal regulations. By participating in the National School Lunch Program, the district is required to maintain financial sustainability, aiming for a break-even status by the end of each school year. The outlined goals in the policy support the consistent achievement of this objective annually, ensuring compliance with the program's financial requirements.

The provided information outlines the procedures for parents/guardians to manage their student’s meal account through the School Cafe platform. Key benefits include:

• Low-balance email alerts to help keep track of account funds.

• The ability to monitor account balances and meal transactions without needing to make a payment.

• Options to set up automatic payments for convenience.

• Online payment options with a 3.5% convenience fee for debit and credit card payments ($0.70 for a $20 payment).

• No convenience fee for electronic check payments.

• Cash or check payments are also accepted directly at the school cafeteria.

Additionally, free and reduced meal applications are available both online at School Cafe and at each campus, providing accessible support for qualifying families.

Elementary School 

The process for elementary school students with insufficient funds in their meal accounts ensures that students can still receive meals during a grace period while parents are notified and arrangements can be made. Key points include:

• Grace Period: Students are allowed to charge complete meals (including a fruit or vegetable) up to a total of $19.80, which covers three breakfasts and lunches for full-pay students. This provides parents time to deposit funds or set up a payment plan.

• A la Carte Restrictions: Students with a negative balance will not be allowed to charge pre-packaged a la carte snacks and beverages. If a student selects an a la carte item but refuses to return it, the cashier will document this on the Cashier Adjustment Form, and the account will be charged.

• Parent Notification: When a student's charges reach $10.00, the Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) will notify parents via email.

• Courtesy Meals: After the maximum charge limit is reached, the student will receive and be charged for courtesy meals instead of standard meals.

This process balances the need for providing meals to students while encouraging timely account management.

Secondary School 

For secondary school students with insufficient funds in their meal accounts, the process provides a similar structure to the one for elementary students, with adjustments for older students. Key points include:

• Grace Period: Students can charge complete meals (which must include a fruit or vegetable) up to a total of $22.00 for full-pay students. This allows time for parents to add money to the student's account or establish a payment plan.

• A la Carte Restrictions: Students with a negative balance are not permitted to charge pre-packaged a la carte snacks and beverages. If a student takes an a la carte item and refuses to return it, the cashier will note this on the Cashier Adjustment Form, and the student's account will be charged accordingly.

• Parent Notification: When a student's charges reach $10.00, the Food and Nutrition Services (FANS) will send an email notification to parents.

• Courtesy Meals: After the maximum charge limit is reached, the student will no longer receive standard meals and will be provided courtesy meals for which they will still be charged.

This process allows secondary students time to manage account balances while maintaining access to essential meals.

All account balances will carry over to the next school year. If you need assistance with setting up a payment plan, please contact Celina ISD Food & Nutrition Services.