Board approves $6.0 million in bills, updates food‑service policy and accepts small donation

At the meeting the Freehold Township School District Board of Education approved bills and claims totaling $6,006,243.09 and accepted a $500 donation to Applegate School from Petroleum Marketing Group.

The Finance, Facilities and Transportation Committee reported that updates to Food Service Policy 8500 were made to comply with current state law. One referenced change requires parents to sign a firm refusal acknowledging they received an offer to apply for free and reduced lunch. The committee also said the state is tracking some students automatically, which reduces paperwork and that both middle schools will be required to serve breakfast starting in September of the next school year.

The district reported a 2.5% increase in the food‑service management fee under the existing contract; the committee said the price per lunch is not finalized but staff did not expect more than a small increase (committee discussion referenced a likely increase of 5 to 10 cents). Officials said the district’s cash reserves give it more flexibility than some districts that are breaking even.

Motion votes: a consent motion to approve committee reports, bills and claims and related items carried without recorded opposition or abstentions.

Why it matters: The payment approvals and contract terms affect near‑term district operating costs and meal access policies for students. The breakfast requirement for both middle schools could expand access to school meals when the change begins.

The committee said additional financial details and an official price schedule will follow when the state's pricing tool is released.