Board approves 2025‑26 food service budget and CEP participation; district plans free breakfasts and lunches starting September

The Wappingers Central School District Board of Education on June 16 unanimously adopted the district’s 2025‑26 food service budget and authorized participation in the National School Lunch Program, including an application under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for free breakfasts and lunches beginning in September.

Miss Dainty and Food Service Director Matthew Flusser presented the budget. They said the district’s CEP application to New York State was pending when the presentation was prepared and has since been approved; federal and state reimbursements will cover the cost of meals under CEP. “This program is not Governor Hochul’s free meals as presented in her budget,” the presentation said, distinguishing the district’s CEP approach from other statewide proposals.

The presentation listed operational changes and challenges the district expects in implementing universal free meals: potential staffing adjustments and union consultations, kitchen infrastructure limits in some buildings, and flow‑management discussions with building administrators over the summer. District staff said they would monitor the program closely in September and adjust staffing and service practices after a one‑month review.

Budget items and clarifying figures presented included roughly $249,530 in equipment purchases during 2024‑25, the planned migration to Mosaic as a cloud‑based point‑of‑sale and inventory system (a first‑year net implementation cost cited as about $17,000 above the current system), and an included proposed 25¢ increase for any meals that will still be sold to align with the National School Lunch Program pricing calculator and protect reimbursement levels over time.

The presentation described expected cost offsets from federal and state reimbursements and commodities; staff said continuing supply chain and staffing uncertainties informed moderate estimates in next year’s budget. Future capital or operational items the department flagged included an outdoor walk‑in freezer at Myers Corners Elementary and a generator at RCK to protect food inventory.

Trustee questions focused on revenue line items, the self‑sufficiency of food service operations (staff affirmed the department receives no general‑fund tax dollars and is self‑sustaining), and the Mosaic migration cost. Trustee Morgan asked about the Mosaic expense and was told the first‑year implementation is about $17,000 higher than the current system. Trustee Lumiere asked for clarity on how projected reimbursements offset lost meal sales; staff explained the sale‑of‑meals line shows $0 under 2025‑26 because meals will be reimbursed under CEP and those amounts are added to subsidy/reimbursement lines.

The board then considered the resolution: “Resolved that the Board of Education of the Wappingers Central School District does hereby approve participation in the National School Lunch Program… and does hereby adopt the food service budget for the 2025‑26 school year as presented…” Motion by Trustee Kellen, second by Trustee Morgan; the board voted unanimously in favor with no recorded objections.

Board and staff remarks framed the adoption as a logistical and operational challenge but a substantial opportunity to provide free meals districtwide; staff and trustees said they will continue to refine operations during summer planning and the initial month of implementation.