Oregon HB 3454 was signed into law on August 8, 2017. This law outlines practices and communication not to be allowed in Oregon school cafeterias. The law is intended to remove practices or communication deemed as “shaming” to students regarding the collection of funds for school meals or the identification of balances for unpaid meals.
Key provisions of the bill are that districts or schools may not:
The bill further provides the district or schools shall:
McMinnville School District will observe the above provisions and allow meal charges during established meal times if the student is unable to pay. A meal charge will be documented on the students account and unpaid meal balances will be the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
As specified by the current law, the district is unable to establish a debt limit. Parents or guardians only may set charging limits, for their students, in writing or by calling the Nutrition Services Office.
First meals only may be charged. Second meals and a la carte items, including milk, to accompany meals brought from home and a la carte items are exempt from this provision. Parents who have imposed limits on student accounts will limit students from charging meals and or a la carte items.
Prepayment for meals may be made by utilizing Myschoolbucks.com or at the school cafeteria. Checks and cash will be accepted at the schools and credit or debit cards may be used at MySchoolBucks.com. Parents may monitor student activity and balances as well by utilizing this tool.
Unpaid meal charges will be considered debt once a meal has been served. Payment will be considered overdue when funds are not available. MSD will take action to collect unpaid meal charges or debts by sending negative balance notifications each week. Notices may be sent by mail, email or automated phone call.
Debt collection efforts will consist of the following procedures:
Repayment plans will be established upon request.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.