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Londonderry board approves 20¢ meal-price increase after dining director flags $63,725.85 in negative student meal debt
Summary
Dining services reported a year-end deficit and negative student balances of $63,725.85; after discussing commodity cuts and vendor fuel surcharges, the board approved a 20¢ across‑the‑board meal-price increase (25¢ for teacher meals) by a unanimous 5–0 vote.
Dining services presented financials May 19 showing the department will close the year in a deficit and that negative student meal balances totaled $63,725.85 as of May 5, 2026.
Crystal, the district dining services lead, told the board commodity funding has been cut (about $15,000) and vendors have added fuel surcharges; after running the paid-lunch-equity tool the recommended increase was 35¢, but she requested a more modest 20¢ across grade levels and 25¢ for teacher meals to limit burden on families while increasing revenue. She said the department will use "feed it forward" funds and anonymous donor contributions to offset negative balances at year end.
"As of, 05/05/2026, our negative debt was $63,725.85," Crystal said in the presentation and described ongoing collection efforts: monthly phone outreach, twice‑weekly emails, mailed negative-balance letters and payment plans.
After brief board discussion and a motion, the board approved the meal price increases by voice vote recorded as 5–0. The dining team will implement the new prices for FY 2027–28 and continue outreach to families regarding balances.
Next steps: dining services will finalize meal pricing for the coming school year, continue collection and outreach efforts, and apply feed-it-forward funds where appropriate.
