Sherman Independent School District (Sherman ISD) receives checks from parents, employees, and the general public for various reasons. This written policy is designed to establish procedures and guidelines when an insufficient check is received.
Sherman ISD sends a letter to the check writer after each insufficient funds check is received. In the letter, the check writer is asked to pay (insufficient check amount plus $25 fee for each returned check) with cashiers check, money order or cash at the Sherman ISD Business Office. If prompt payment is not received, a certified letter is sent with a request for payment (insufficient check amount plus fees) within seven business days after the certified letter date. After the seven days expire, the names of insufficient check writers are forwarded to the Grayson County Attorney’s Office for collection. Individuals lose their check writing privileges and are placed on a cash-only list if (1) your name is forwarded to the Grayson County Attorney’s Office or (2) SISD receives a third insufficient funds check within a five-year period. A third check will automatically place a family on the cash-only list, even if prompt payment was received on previous insufficient checks.
If an insufficient funds check was received in the last five school years, the family will stay on the cash-only list. Each summer, the cash-only list is examined and modified to comply with the five-year rule. Check-writing privileges are restored after five school years have passed. After check-writing privileges are restored, Sherman ISD applies a “one strike and you’re out” policy. If another insufficient funds check is received, the check writer’s family is placed on the cash-only list for five more school years.
The insufficient check writers (parents or guardian) will receive a letter when their family is placed on the cash-only list. The letter will include the effective date of the cash only status, information concerning the five-year time period, and appeal procedures.
