School Board Disagrees Over Proposed Price of Lunch

Nazareth School Board members debated -- heatedly, at times -- whether to raise the price of school lunches by 10 cents for the upcoming school year.

That figure was debated at length at Monday's meeting, during and following a report from Sharon Ryba, the district's director of food service.

Ryba said costs have risen for food service operation, but added that those rising costs should level out this year.

The director of food service then outlined the projected impact on district finances based on proposed increases that range from 5 cents to 25 cents per meal.

The majority opinion settled on a 10-cent raise; however, board member Thomas Maher felt otherwise. Maher, a CPA and the board treasurer, said a larger increase was needed to ensure the food service program could cover its costs and not dip into the district's general fund.

“It should be self-sustaining,” he said.

Maher sparred with fellow board member Linda McDonald, who expressed reluctance to raise lunch prices when many families are struggling to put food on their own tables.

“I just don't feel it is appropriate to charge families another 10, 15 [or] 25 cents per meal,” McDonald said.

Under the proposal, which will be on the board's June 27 agenda, the cost for student lunches would be:

• $1.95 at the three elementary schools and at the
• $2.20 at the and

*Both prices represent a 10-cent increase over the 2010-2011 school year.

Also outlined under the proposal was the cost of an adult lunch, which will remain at $3.50, and the cost of milk and chocolate milk, which will remain at 50 cents.

Ryba noted that the price of school lunches must be increased by at least 5 cents next school year in order for the district to be in accordance with the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act.