(Atlantic) The Atlantic Community School District is facing more than $29,000 in unpaid student lunch balances, prompting its Food Service Director to ask the district for help finding a solution.
Natalie Ritter addressed the growing concern during Wednesday’s school board meeting, saying her department has been working to collect the outstanding balances but the problem has become more than staff can manage on their own.
The department sends emails to families three times a week, mails letters monthly and makes phone calls when possible. Ritter asked the district to consider using a collection agency, exploring the State of Iowa Setoff Program or making changes to district policies and procedures for delinquent meal accounts.
Ritter also provided an update on free and reduced-price meal applications. The district’s participation rate dropped from 52% to 48% following the October 5th 30-day rollover period. Currently, 48 students whose families completed applications last year have not submitted one for this school year. Ritter has sent applications home and plans another reminder to families.
On a more positive note, Ritter highlighted efforts to improve school menus through new food options and student taste testing. She also noted the district’s four-year partnership with Noble Provisions, which provides approximately 200 pounds of locally grown ground beef each month for school meals.
In other news, the Atlantic School Board elected its President and Vice President during an organizational meeting Wednesday evening.
Josh McLaren was reelected Board President, and Gini Jordan was reelected Vice President. Both will serve one-year terms.
The Board also established its regular meeting schedule, with meetings set for the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m.
The board approved the following:
Resignations & Retirements
Bryce Casey – JV Baseball Coach
Jessica Larsen – Jr High Volleyball Coach
Riley Wood – MS Softball Coach
Donna Green – Paraprofessional Retirement
Recommendation to Hire
Montana Applegate – JR Class Sponsor
Montana Applegate – Prom Sponsor
Shelby McCreedy – Regular SUV/Van Driver
Nick Hugel – Sub Activity Bus Driver
Jerricka Brousseau – ELC Paraeducator
Melissa Johnson – Head Archery Coach
The Board also approved adding Josh McLaren as a volunteer Boys Basketball Coach.
