ACCOUNT NUMBERS :  Every student has an account in the cafeteria's point-of-sale system.  The account number is assigned when a student first enters school in Clay County and remains the same throughout the student's enrollment in Clay County Schools. .  There is no correlation between the account number and the student's meal payment status. 

Checks or envelopes with cash payments must list the child's full name and correct account number to ensure that the payment goes to the right account.  Any other information to help identify the correct student is helpful.

PAYMENTS:  All students must keep positive account balances for purchasing meals and any other items agreed upon with the parent.  Students may deposit any dollar amount in their account for future use. Deposits may be made anytime during the school day.  Elementary school students routinely bring "lunch" money on Monday mornings.  If you are paying by check or with cash in an envelope (as for elementary students) please list the child's full name and account number on the check or envelope. 

Checks make it easy to research a deposit if a question ever arises; however, if your bank notifies you that your check was returned to us unpaid, please contact us immediately to arrange to cover the check. If you don't arrange with the School Nutrition Administrative Office (828-389-6332 in the Superintendent's Office Building) to cover the check, we will retrieve the amount from your child's meal account, possibly creating a negative balance and forcing the student to follow the charging policy described below for his school.

EXTRA PURCHASES:  Students may purchase extra menu items or other extra food items depending on their grade and any restrictions the parent or school  may set.  Ice cream is the most widely purchased extra, and is the only option other than bottled water for the elementary grades. It is avaiable on a limited basis determined by Elementary School administration.   Students must have a positive balance in their account or cash in hand to purchase any extra food items.  

CHARGING POLICY - Elementary School: School meal accounts are "debit accounts", not charge accounts; purchases are deducted from a positive balance. The cashier will tell the student when he or she needs lunch money soon, and a low balance slip is given to the student or to the teacher to send home with the student. No elementary school child will be denied a meal or given an alternate meal because they do not have money. Parents remain liable for all meals charged. The principal will assist with collection of on-going charges.. The principal may also ask for assistance from Social Services in unresolved cases of parental neglect of responsibility for their children's basic nutritional needs.

CHARGING POLICY - Middle School: Clay County Board of Education Policy - As a transition to becoming responsible for their lunch accounts, Middle School students may charge up to three lunches or $7.00, whichever comes first. After that, the student must go to the school office to borrow money from a special fund until the full amount due is paid. Cashiers remind students daily when their account is low or overdrawn, and a low-balance slip will be offered for the student to take home. The principal and Social Services will assist where needed.

CHARGING POLICY - High School: NONE. High School students are expected to remain aware of their meal account balance and to bring deposits as necessary. Cashiers remind students daily when their account is low. If a student still forgets to bring money when needed, he must deal with his situation before going to the cashier with a full tray and no money. Any student with a special situation or need should ask to speak with the cafeteria manager for individual accommodation.

CHARGING POLICY - Adults: Adults may not charge.