RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Area Schools is reminding families to check student meal account balances ahead of a Jan. 30, 2026, deadline that could result in unpaid balances being referred to a collection agency.
District officials emphasized that the notice that was sent out is a district-wide communication and does not necessarily mean a student has a negative meal account balance.
According to Rapid City Area Schools, any student meal account with a negative balance as of Jan. 30 will be referred to collections under the parent or guardian’s name listed on file. The district stressed that collections apply to adults, not students.
Students will continue to receive a reimbursable lunch every school day, regardless of account balance.
The district said the issue is significant due to the financial structure of the Student Nutrition Program, which must be self-supporting and does not receive local district funding. Unpaid meal accounts across the district currently total approximately 187,000 dollars.
“When balances remain unpaid, it impacts the program’s ability to operate,” district officials said.
Officials noted that referral to collections is always a last resort and comes only after multiple attempts to contact families through emails, phone calls and mailed notices, along with offering assistance options.
Support is available for families who need help before the Jan. 30 deadline. Assistance options include payment plans, community donation support and help applying for free or reduced-priced meals.
Families are encouraged to take the following steps:
• Check their student’s meal account balance
• Pay the balance or make arrangements if money is owed
• Contact the Student Nutrition Office early if support is needed
Families with questions or concerns can contact the Student Nutrition Office by email at RapidCityStudentNutritionOffice@k12.sd.us or by phone at 605-394-4061.
Rapid City Area Schools said it appreciates families working with the district to support students and maintain the school meal program.
