Board renews school nutrition contracts, keeps 2025–26 meal prices unchanged and approves health screenings

The Clinton City Schools Board voted to renew its annual contract with SFE for the 2025–26 school year with no price increase and approved keeping the district's breakfast and lunch prices unchanged for 2025–26.

Scott Ray, the district finance presenter, said the SFE contract is subject to annual renewal even though it is part of a five-year agreement, and the vendor proposed no increase for 2025–26. He summarized cafeteria profit-and-loss columns for breakfast and lunch and said lunch program operations are net positive overall while breakfast runs at a loss. "We're not losing money in the cafeteria. So as long as we can maintain that, I don't see... a need to raise prices," Ray said. He added a projected net increase in the cafeteria fund balance of roughly $30,000–$40,000 for the year based on commodity reimbursements and other revenue.

The board approved the district’s School Nutrition Program (SNP) annual agreement and the 2025–26 local agriculture products compliance plan required by the state. Ray noted the local agriculture plan encourages buying local when feasible but that price remains the deciding factor and federal rules require domestic purchases.

During the meeting the board also approved partnerships to provide student dental services through the local health department and vision screenings via the Lions Club. A board member who is a dentist gave a conflict-of-interest-style disclaimer that he receives no pay from the program and the district or health department receive no financial benefit; the programs deliver services to students who may otherwise not receive them. "There is absolutely no benefit but to the children," the board member said.

The board voted on each item. The SFE renewal and meal prices were approved with no increase; the SNP and local agriculture plan for 2025–26 were approved; and the health department dental program with Lions Club vision provision was approved. The motions carried by voice votes.

Staff said they will continue to monitor breakfast participation and explore ways to increase morning participation so more students receive meals; the district retains a healthy cafeteria fund balance, staff said.