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Board tables proposal to go cashless; will accept cash language referred for further work
Summary
A proposal to encourage cashless payments while continuing to accept cash in certain circumstances drew concerns about internet access at remote sites and fee-processing costs. The board voted to table the item to the next policy meeting for administration review and consistent policy referrals.
The committee reviewed a request from Mister Toler to add language to the student-fees policy stating the district will encourage cashless payments but will accept cash for last-minute or special situations. The chair described the requested addition as: "the school system will encourage the use of cashless devices, but will accept cash as a monetary payment for all transactions." (as read into the record).
Board members raised operational and equity questions: principals must have alternatives if card readers fail or remote internet is unavailable, parents who travel long distances may only have cash, and fee-processing charges (merchant fees) were discussed. Administration said it planned to create two locations for cash payments and to avoid asking parents to use staff personal payment apps. One presenter said recent internet improvements had addressed many field connectivity concerns; another board member disagreed, citing persistent poor service in some areas.
Because the proposal interacts with other policies (DIA, DFI, DL) that administration needed to review, and because members wanted consistent language, Mister Westmoreland moved to table the item for one week to allow policy referrals and administrative review. The motion to table passed on roll call; the chair instructed administration not to publish any new social-media notices about being cashless until the committee reconvenes.
