Waukee Community School District uses the notification system ParentSquare to send negative balance notifications to parents. This allows the district to make this process more efficient as well as save money that can be better used in other areas.
The district no longer sends home paper reminders for low and negative balances. Instead, parents receive a phone call to the primary phone number that is listed in PowerSchool and an email. Only one phone number will be called around 12 p.m.
This only affects students in grades K-7. The current policies and procedures in place do not allow students grades 8-12 to charge or acquire negative balances; therefore, those students will not receive a notification.
You have the option to send cash or check made payable to Waukee Nutrition Services to the school or pay online using RevTrak. If you have any questions, please contact your school secretary, lunch clerk, or Waukee Nutrition Services at 515-987-2719.
The phone message will say:
“Hello, this is the Waukee Community School District’s Department of Nutrition and Food Services calling to let you know that your student <<First Name>> <<Last Name>> has a school cafeteria balance of negative <<Balance>>. Because your child is important to us, we want to continue providing meals. Please deposit additional money as soon as possible. If you have any questions, call our department at 987-2719. If you wish to hear this message again, please press the star key now. Thank you.”
The email will say:
Dear Parent / Guardian,
This is to inform you that your child, <<First Name>> <<Last Name>>, has had a cafeteria negative account balance of <<List Balance>> within the last 24 hours. Because your child is important to us, we want to continue providing meals. Please deposit additional money as soon as possible. If you have made or sent a payment this morning, please disregard this message.
You have the option to send cash or check made payable to Waukee Nutrition Department to the school or pay online at http://waukee.revtrak.net. Be sure to include your student(s) name and ID number when sending payments to the school. Your student’s ID number is available in PowerSchool.
If you have any questions, please contact your school lunch clerk or the Nutrition Services Department at 515-987-2719.
Negative Balance Policy (Board Policy 701.5)
Kindergarten – 7th Grade
Students will be allowed to charge meals. Ala carte items are not part of the USDA program and are not allowed to be charged if a student has a negative balance.
8th – 12th Grade
All meal purchases are to be prepaid before meal service begins. Ala carte items are not part of the USDA program and are not allowed to be charged if a student has a negative balance.
Negative Account Balances
Negative Account Balances The school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt. Families will be notified by an automated calling system and e-mail notification.
Negative balances of more than $50 not paid prior to the end of the month will be turned over to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee for collection. Negative balances of more than $15 not paid prior to the end of the school year will be turned over to the Superintendent or Superintendent’s designee for collection. Options for collection may include collection agencies, small claims court, or any other legal method permitted by law.
Free/Reduced Priced Meals
Free and reduced-price meals are available to those families who qualify. Information regarding free or reduced-priced meals will be provided at least twice annually to the parents or guardians of all enrolled students. Students who qualify for free meals shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases. Students with outstanding meal charge debt shall be allowed to purchase a meal if the student pays for the meal when it is received. If a student owes money for five or more meals, school personnel may contact the student’s parent or guardian to provide information regarding the application for free or reduced-priced meals or to provide information on other options or assistance available.
Thank you for your cooperation,
Waukee Nutrition Department
nutrition@waukeeschools.org
Phone: 515-987-2719
