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School dining services projects self‑funded operating balance; district meal debt under $50,000
Summary
The district’s dining program presented a FY27 self‑funded budget with projected balance ≈$1.7 million, meal reimbursement increases and a districtwide negative meal balance of about $49,929; the presenter said reimbursable meals are never denied to students who cannot pay.
Crystal, the district’s dining services manager, presented the FY27 dining services budget to the board on Dec. 9. The self‑funded program projects an operating balance of roughly $1.7 million and estimated revenues around $1.2 million from meals sold, federal/state reimbursements and catering.
Crystal said federal reimbursement rates for meals rose modestly (example: lunch reimbursements increased by about 17¢ for free and reduced eligibilities) and the district increased paid meal prices by 10¢ to remain competitive with neighboring districts. She reported districtwide negative meal debt of $49,929 and said the department works actively with families to collect balances, sends weekly notifications and offers payment plans. She also emphasized that the kitchen does not deny reimbursable meals to students who cannot pay.
Crystal thanked anonymous donors whose contributions ($12,356.02) were directed to school accounts to help students in need.
Next steps: dining services will track meal counts and present any recommended price changes in the spring.
