CCSD 89 families will have an easier way to pay for school lunches

Families of elementary and middle school students will have an easier way to track and pay for school lunches. Students will continue to use their school IDs to pay for lunch, and families will be able to load and refresh accounts through the MySchoolBucks software.

MySchoolBucks allows families to add funds by logging into PowerSchool or by downloading the MySchoolBucks app. Families will be able to monitor their student’s purchases, check balances, and receive low-balance alerts. For students, there will be no change: they can continue to pay for meals with their student ID and the funds will be automatically deducted.

Balances from the previous system have all been rolled over to the MySchoolBucks accounts. Parents can refresh balances and set up auto-refresh by using a credit card on the website or the app.

How to use MySchoolBucks

In order to use MySchoolBucks, parents will need to establish a PowerSchool account. Middle school parents already use PowerSchool to check their student’s grades. The PowerSchool homescreen will now include a MySchoolBucks button.

Elementary school students will need to create a PowerSchool account. The district is mailing letters to all families this week. That letter will include the personalized password needed to log on to PowerSchool.

If you need assistance with your account, you can find helpful how-to videos and answers to commonly asked questions by visiting myschoolbucks.com. Or, you can contact MySchoolBucks directly by logging into your account to start an online chat or calling (855) 832-5226.

The district will eventually expand the MySchoolBucks services to be able to accept payments for other school functions and fees. MySchoolBucks charges $2.49 to load funds. The district’s previous vendor charged 4.76% to load funds.

The district began working on this change in February. Once in place, the MySchoolBucks software will make it easier for families and the district to manage payments, as well as reducing administrative costs. While students could still pay lunch with cash, MySchoolBucks should significantly reduce the amount of cash and checks being handled at registers or in schools.

Posted: August 4, 2020