School nutrition director recommends no meal‑price increase; division reports $1.8 million surplus above reserves

Dr. Carroll presented the division’s FY 2025 school nutrition status and recommended no increase to student meal prices for the 2025–26 school year.

Carroll said the division had not yet received the USDA paid‑equity tool this year and that federal subsidy support for supply‑chain costs that began during COVID is ending. He summarized cost pressures — projected labor increases (he cited a planned 3.5 percent raise), uncertain food cost inflation and commodity pricing — but said increasing student meal participation and a substantial reserve reduce immediate pressure to raise prices.

Carroll reported the school nutrition surplus above the mandated three‑month operating reserve stood at about $1,800,000. He said the division’s peak reserve during COVID reached about $6,050,000, and the division has been spending down that balance on kitchen replacements and equipment; about $1,000,000 of planned equipment purchases remain under consideration. He said participation increased by about 81,000 meals over two years (FY22 to FY24, a 6.6 percent increase) and that the per‑meal cost is up about 3 percent year over year. Carroll also noted the federal “Buy American” procurement constraint (10 percent exception) and that the division has seen a timing effect on May 2025 school meal revenue postings.

Carroll concluded, “we are confident that we can recommend no increase to meal prices for next year.” Board members asked about implementation of a federal rule eliminating artificial colors, Buy American impact and equipment purchases; Carroll said federal guidance and supplier changes were still being clarified and that equipment replacements have been phased based on capacity and supply chain constraints.

The board approved the meal prices as part of the consent calendar later in the meeting; the consent calendar (which included meal prices and other routine items) passed on a 5–0 vote.