School Lunch Prices Likely To Jump A Nickel Next Year

As part of a new federal law, prices for elementary and high school lunches in South Washington County Schools will likely go up a nickel next year.

The District 833 School Board last week examined the proposed Nutrition Services budget for 2011-12, which will likely see additional funds dedicated to fruit and vegetable offerings and whole grains. Initiatives for next year also include reducing the calorie count in meals and cutting sodium, and eliminating trans fats altogether.

While board members lauded the work of the district’s food department, some were rankled at the idea of increasing costs because of the national Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Board member Ron Kath said he would rather see prices stay where they are instead of doing so “because some federal bureaucrat is telling me to do it.”

The price hikes, which are tied to the number of students eligible for free or reduced lunch, would increase to $1.75 for elementary schools and $2.05 for high schools. Middle school lunch prices would remain the same, according to a report from district staff.

A nickel per lunch adds up over the course of a school year, Kath said. “That’s a week’s worth of groceries.”

The district last year gave parents the option of signing up for its free and reduced lunch program online, said Barbara Osthus, director of Nutrition Services. She also reported that since 2007 South Washington County Schools have seen a steady increase in those taking advantage of the program, which keeps the students using it anonymous.

It’s to the district’s benefit that people who need the service sign up for it, board member Jim Gelbmann said. Funding for certain federal and state aid programs is linked to the number of families on free or reduced lunch, he said.

“Everybody needs a little help now and then,” Osthus said. “Just use it. That’s what it’s there for.”

Water

Another part of the new federal legislation requires schools to offer drinking water where lunch is served. Seventeen of the schools in District 833 currently do not. Kath suggested using part of the district’s fund balance to get that rectified as quickly as possible.

The district should consider water filter stations rather than traditional drinking fountains, Kath said, as they are less likely to spread germs and provide higher-quality water.

Board chair Leslie Boyd suggested looking at water stands with pieces of real fruit inside.

Osthus was receptive to the ideas and said staff will look into the possibilities.

In other news, the school board:

• Heard about the proposed 2011-12 community services budget, which includes the district’s Community Education programs. Expenditures, at about $11 million, will be close to this year’s figures. One item that did come up was 2 percent salary increases for employees, which Kath said would likely have to be examined at this time next year.
• Approved the expulsion of two students at .