Board approves meal price increase; staff say rise is driven by federal equity rule

The Midland Public Schools Board of Education on May 19 approved a districtwide increase in breakfast and lunch prices for the 2025-26 school year to comply with federal pricing requirements and cover rising costs.

What the board approved: Administration recommended a 75-cent-per-meal increase for both elementary and secondary breakfast and lunch. After approval, the new prices will be: - Elementary breakfast: $2.80 - Elementary lunch: $3.70 - Secondary breakfast: $3.10 - Secondary tiered lunches: $3.95, $4.45, and $4.95 (base and higher tiers listed in district materials) Reduced-price lunches will remain at 40 cents as required by federal law; milk pricing is unaffected by this action.

Why administration recommended the increase: Anna Womack reported the increase is prompted by the requirements of Section 205 of the 2010 Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act (equity in school lunch pricing) and that the last price adjustment occurred in 2023. Womack said the district follows a required calculation rather than setting prices arbitrarily.

Board action: Treasurer Lauterbach moved the motion to increase meal prices; Secretary Ringgold seconded. The motion passed by voice vote.

Context: Trustees noted a pending proposed state school-aid budget item that, if enacted, could continue universal free meals; the board acknowledged that possibility while approving the required price changes now to comply with current law.

Ending: The board will implement the new prices for the 2025-26 school year unless a later change in state or federal funding alters the district—s meal pricing obligations.