Lebanon schools report larger meal program participation, $104,000 uptick in federal reimbursements

Superintendent Sievers and child nutrition staff updated the board on school meal participation and program changes, reporting higher participation across buildings, new service options, and a one‑time increase in federal reimbursement.

The district reported increases in breakfast participation across all buildings and a major increase in lunches sold at Lebanon High School — an increase the district quantified as roughly 29,000 additional lunches sold overall, with about 25,000 of those at the high school. Staff said the rise reflected changes in cafeteria organization, more reimbursable full meals, and the introduction of compliant vending machines at the high school in January that allow students to use their lunch accounts.

Superintendent Sievers told the board federal reimbursement tied to reimbursable meals rose by about $104,000 compared with the prior year. He described several operational changes intended to boost participation and decrease waste, including a pizza oven at the high school, expanded salad bars, and letting students self‑serve fruits and vegetables so they take what they will eat.

Sievers credited child nutrition staff, singling out Megan Grama, who was recognized at the state level and qualified for a national competition for child nutrition work. The board was told the food service enterprise fund covers program staff salaries and equipment; profits from the program are reinvested into food service operations rather than the district general fund.

The board heard that higher participation helps the program cover equipment updates and staffing from earned revenue, which reduces pressure on the general fund and permanent improvement budgets. The superintendent said the district will continue to update the board annually on child nutrition performance.