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Dorchester 2 board approves districtwide free meals under community eligibility provision
Summary
The board voted to adopt a resolution for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) participation for all Dorchester 2 schools beginning 2025–26; district staff said state funds will cover meal costs and county council indicated a millage increase that could affect the district budget.
The Dorchester 2 Board of Trustees voted June 9 to approve a resolution to participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025–26 school year, making free breakfast and lunch available to all enrolled students across the district.
Miss Meunier, a district finance staff member who presented the item, told trustees the State Department of Education will provide funding to the district based on the district’s identified percentage for free‑meal reimbursement and that “the state will be able to pay us a 100% to cover those meals.” Meunier said the district worked with the state and will submit a letter included in the board packet to secure CEP status beginning next year.
The motion to approve CEP status was made by Mr. Guthrie and seconded by Mr. Farnsworth. The board called the vote and the motion carried 6 in favor, 1 absent.
Meunier also updated the board on the budget process: county council earlier indicated support for a millage increase that will affect district allocations. She said council initially communicated a proposed 6.6‑mill increase and then corrected that notice to 7.6 mills; final county budget numbers were pending as council prepared a third reading. Meunier said the district expects formal allocation figures soon and plans to present a balanced budget to the board when it reconvenes on June 23.
Board members asked operational questions about capacity if participation increases. Meunier said the district had notified its new food service management company, which takes over July 1, and staff had discussed anticipated higher participation with the vendor.
The board’s approval authorizes the district to apply to the state for CEP participation for all schools beginning in the 2025–26 school year; the resolution and submission to the State Department were included in the meeting packet and presented for approval. No further action was taken at the meeting beyond adoption of the resolution.
