Dear Dexter Families,
The State of Michigan School Aid budget has funded free lunches for all students for several consecutive years. The state’s budget year runs from October 1st through September 30th. As of today, the legislature has failed to pass a school budget. Starting October 1st, only students who qualify for free or reduced lunch according to federal guidelines will continue to receive either free or reduced breakfast/lunch prices. All other students will have to pay for meals. This is a significant change for our families and we need you to be prepared starting October 1st.
If you may qualify for free/reduced lunch prices:
We encourage all families to complete the free and reduced meals application every year to help families and DCS access associated benefits. With continued funding in jeopardy, it is critical for families to complete the application for this year ASAP to continue receiving benefits. Families who do not apply or do not qualify for meals benefits will need to deposit money in their students’ lunch accounts and/or make plans to pack breakfasts and lunches if they don’t already do that The application is confidential and only takes moments! To complete the application and see if you qualify, visit our portal: https://dexter.familyportal.cloud/ and click on the Apply for Benefits button.
To add money to your child’s lunch account:
Lunch accounts are managed online. Please visit: https://dexter.familyportal.cloud/ and click on the My Account button.
If you are new to DCS this year or your child does not have a lunch account:
Create an account in the Meal Magic portal: https://dexter.familyportal.cloud/.
For new registrations, you will need your students’ PowerSchool student numbers to add your students to your account and deposit money. If you don’t have their student numbers handy, your building secretaries can assist you. Send a message to each building where you have a student/students: deec@dexterschools.org; wylie@dexterschools.org; creekside@dexterschools.org; millcreek@dexterschools.org; dhs@dexterschools.org; alted@dexterschools.org.
- Here is a link to Meal Magic’s help information.
Meal prices are as follows:
- Young 5 through 6th grade Breakfast: $3.00; Lunch: $4.00
- 7th through 12th grades: Breakfast: $3.25; Lunch: $4.25
We regret the inconvenience and hardship to families, but want to make sure that everyone has as much time as possible to plan for the possibility that the legislature does not pass a budget or does not elect to continue funding breakfast & lunch. Regardless of the outcome of the state budget, it is still helpful for families to complete the application.
Sincerely,
Christopher Timmis, EdD
Superintendent
- 2025-2026
- Food and Nutrition
- budget
- free meals