Attica school district approves new guidelines after audit

ATTICA, Ind. (AP) - The Attica school district has approved new guidelines for school lunch balances after a recent audit showed that $940,000 was mishandled.

The Attica Consolidated School Board approved guidelines Monday for negative school lunch balances after one of the funds was found to have more than $414,000 in misappropriated. money

According to Superintendent Derek Marshall, the new guidelines say that when a student's lunch balance reaches negative $20, he or she will be served a basic alternative lunch, and the student's account will be charged $1. If a student's lunch balance reaches negative $50, he or she won't be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities until the balance is fully paid.

Marshall said a basic lunch includes a peanut butter or cheese sandwich with vegetables and milk

Board members said the plan is fair because it gives children 30 meals before they're excluded from extracurricular activities.

"It is more than fair," said Chris Gayler, a board member. "Unfortunately, if it has gone on this long, then it is the next step."

The board also approved an official bond for interim school board treasurer in absence of Carrie Brier, who previously held the position.

"We now have six applicants for the vacant treasurer position," Marshall said. "I hope to begin interviewing them next week."

Marshall said the district is taking additional steps to resolve the issues found in the audit, including interviewing subject matter experts to do an internal audit and to create the district's checks and balances sheets.