The Lee's Summit R-7 Board of Education voted to raise paid student meal prices by 10 cents for the 2025–26 school year and to form a stakeholder Process Action Team (PRAT) this fall to plan how to close a larger funding gap identified by the district.

During discussion, a board member said the administration could have raised prices by up to 75 cents under the paid meal equity tool but chose a smaller increase to limit impacts on families. “The fact that you are able to you are allowed to raise the price by 75¢ per meal, but instead chose to take a more conservative approach and raise the meal prices by 10¢ … and then form a PRAT … just shows the community how conscientious you are,” the board member said.

Another board member noted local practice has typically been a 10‑cent increase annually and described the PRAT as a plan to bring together staff, parents, board members and other stakeholders to develop a two‑ or three‑year plan to close the gap. The board described the PRAT as intended to explore options that would ease the burden for families who do not qualify for free or reduced price meals.

The motion to adopt the 10‑cent increase passed by voice vote. The board also approved the treasurer’s report and payment of bills during the same session.

The district reminded families during the superintendent’s report that free and reduced‑price eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and encouraged families who might qualify to submit applications; the board did not provide a full cost estimate for closing the nutrition services shortfall in the meeting materials.