Natick Schools Refunding Parents For Some Programs

NATICK, MA — Natick Public Schools will be issuing hundreds of refunds to families over the next six weeks following the cancellation of the remainder of the school year due to coronavirus.

According to Assistant Superintendent Peter Gray, the district will pro-rate the refunds for programs like athletics, the BOKS and ASAP programs, parking fees, bus fees, and more. Some parents who mailed checks to the district should expect a call — in most cases, mailed checks were never cashed, Gray said.

Preschool payments for May and June, meanwhile, will be reduced by 50 percent each month. Parents who paid in full already will be reimbursed, but the payment deadline isn't until May 15.

School lunch debt should be paid by June 30, according to the district. If it's not paid, the district, which is facing a revenue shortfall, will have to pay the debts.

Other fees, including for food and parking, will be credited in the next school year. But the district is accepting hardship applications for families that need the money back. The district is also accepting donations of fees.

Natick schools have been closed since March, but on April 21 Gov. Charlie Baker ordered all schools to stay closed until at least the fall.