Application for Educational Benefits
The Application for Educational Benefits (aka Free & Reduced Application) must be submitted to the district on an annual basis. Log into Skyward Family Access to complete the online application (see directions below). Or, you can fill out a paper application below and return by mail to the District Office or to your child's school.
District Office Attention: Chris Barker 534 5th Ave N Cold Spring, MN 56320
Instructions for completing your Application for Educational Benefits Online
Step 1
Log into Skyward Family Access
1. Choose any of your students from the upper left dropdown menu.
**Important** If you do not select a student the application will not appear (it doesn't matter which of your students you select because the application will process for the entire family).
2. Click the Food Service menu.
3. Click on Applications.
Step 2
The Food Service Applications menu will open. Click the Add Application button.
Step 3
Follow the on-screen prompts. You will click Next to progress through your application. You will first read the:
- Letter to Parents
- Instructions for Applying
- Federal Income Chart
- Privacy Act Statement
- Non-Discrimination Statement
Then, follow instructions on each part of the Application. Once you have completed each part you will arrive at the Review and Submit page to finish the application.
Paper Applications
Sharing Free/Reduced Status with Other Programs
Your child’s eligibility information for free or reduced price meals is private data. However, federal law allows a school to share your child’s eligibility with
federal and state education, health, and nutrition programs for which your child may qualify. For the following, we need your permission to share your
eligibility information for possible fee benefits: Athletics, Activities, Technology, School Readiness, Field trips, Class Fees, and Testing Fees. Signing and
sending in this form will not change whether your child will get free or reduced price meals.
Sharing Free/Reduced Status Form (English)
Sharing Free/Reduced Status Form (Spanish)
Sharing Free/Reduced Status Form (Somali)