Effingham Unit 40 raises student and adult meal prices after pre-audit flags and staff free-lunch issue

The Effingham Unit 40 School Board voted to raise student and adult meal prices for the 2025–26 school year after staff described a sustained food-service deficit and a pre-audit review that identified compliance issues. District staff said they were contacted by "ISB" in the spring to review food-service operations and arranged a pre-audit. The pre-audit found problems related to reimbursements under the community eligibility/provision framework and flagged that providing free meals to staff is not permitted. The district sought legal counsel, and staff said they were told to "cease and desist" providing free meals to staff immediately. Staff said they will continue to allow cooks who prepare the meals to eat the food they prepare. Finance staff described the proposed fee schedule and rationale at the board meeting. The board approved the following rates for 2025–26: K–8 lunches $3.40; grades 9–12 lunches $3.65; adult lunches $4.15 (adult lunch set at 50¢ above the highest student lunch); K–8 breakfast $2.90; grades 9–12 breakfast $3.00; adult breakfast $3.50; milk (per half pint) $0.40. Finance staff acknowledged that the district had not raised prices annually as recommended and that failing to do so contributed to the deficit. The presenter said, "We didn't raise the bridal, and you're supposed to raise in 10¢ every year actually. We didn't do that in the spring, so we went back. And I'm asking you to do that tonight." (verbatim excerpt appears in transcript; speaker identified as district staff.) Board member Dasha moved to approve the food service fees; Chad Thompson seconded the motion. The board approved the fee schedule by roll call vote. Board direction and next steps: Staff will pursue additional cost savings, work with larger purchasing cooperatives recommended during the review to reduce per-meal costs and may return to the board with further options. Staff also said families eligible for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive benefits and that individuals with financial hardship can contact the district to seek assistance.