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Lebanon superintendent touts 53% jump in reimbursable meals and highest-ever report card score
Summary
Superintendent Mister Severs reported a 53% increase in reimbursable meals at the high school (5,867 to 8,999 for the comparable period), higher federal reimbursement revenue (August reimbursements up more than $10,000 districtwide), and an improved state report card rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Lebanon City Schools Superintendent Mister Severs told the board on Sept. 16 that recent changes in food-service leadership and menu offerings have produced a notable increase in student meal participation and revenue.
"The reimbursable meals this year, the same period of time, [are] up 53% with 8,999 meals purchased at the high school alone," Severs said, comparing the district’s current reimbursable-meal count to last year’s 5,867. He added that the district sold more than 600 meals in a day last week, compared with last year’s daily average of about 340.
Severs said those shifts translate into increased federal reimbursements and local flexibility. "Our August reimbursements was up over $10,000 from what it was last year across the district," he said, adding that the additional revenue can be reinvested into food-service operations and equipment.
On academics, Severs reported the district’s Ohio report card rose to 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the graduation rate moving to five stars and progress also improving. "Our building report card came back with great results. It was our highest overall rating ever with 4 stars... We also received a 5 star graduation rate," Severs said, noting gains in areas such as geometry proficiency and that 13 of 13 tests showed increased performance in at least one area.
The superintendent outlined next operational steps, including opening refrigerated vending machines with grab-and-go items and continuing to roll out a high-school salad bar and other made-to-order options. He said the district has added positions (food-service coordinator and a field supervisor) to support menu development and kitchen operations.
What happened next: Board members asked no substantive follow-up questions about food service during the meeting. The superintendent said some a la carte sales at the high school are down but that other buildings offset the decline.
Context: School meal reimbursements are counted as reimbursable when they include a main dish, fruit and vegetables; those meals generate federal reimbursements that support district food-service budgets.
