The Derry Cooperative School District has revamped its policy for charging lunches.
Business Manager Jane Simard made the announcement at the Aug. 12 School Board meeting. The maximum limit allowed to be charged has been reduced to $5.
Earlier this year, the board had approved limiting a child’s outstanding balance to $15 for lunches in the five elementary and two middle schools. Students who exceeded the balance were given an alternative lunch of a cheese sandwich and fruit and their account was charged $1.
But Simard said the limit wasn’t working and the district still has a balance of $6,000 in unpaid lunches.
“We tried $15 and it didn’t work,” Simard said.
Simard said a notice describing the change will go home with students in their first-day packets. There will be a three-day grace period, she said.
In addition, students with outstanding balances will be notified this week and told what their negative balance is.
Member Dan McKenna asked Simard, “How many lunches is $5?” She said it represented two regular lunches.
Any child exceeding the $5 balance will still be given the alternative lunch, according to Simard.
Simard said the new policy is also outlined on the district Web site at www.sau10.org.
The district participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program. Parents who think their children qualify are encouraged to call the district at 432-1210.