Attica schools move forward after audit found $940,000 in mishandled funds

The board on Monday night approved guidelines for negative school lunch balances — one of the funds the State Board of Accounts found in its audit to have $414,113 misappropriated. Unresolved negative account balances was one of the factors displayed in the audit's results.

"Basically, it says that a student having a negative lunch balance will be served a meal but will not be allowed to purchase any additional items unless he or she has cash in hand to pay for the items," Superintendent Derek Marshall said.

"When a student lunch balance reaches negative $20, he or she will be served a basic alternative lunch and the student's account will be charged $1. When a student lunch balance reaches negative $50, all extra-curricular activities sponsors will be notified and the student will not be allowed to participate in any extra-curricular activities until the lunch balance is paid in full."

Marshall said a basic lunch includes the choice of a peanut butter sandwich or a cheese sandwich with a side of vegetables and milk.

Board members agreed the plan was fair in that it gives parents 30 meals before their children are excluded from extra-curricular activities.