Board approves 10-cent lunch hike, reappoints redevelopment member and accepts donations

MIDDLEBURY — At its June 2 meeting the Middlebury Community Schools board approved a set of routine actions including a modest student lunch price increase, several personnel recommendations and district donations.

Dr. Snyder, the district superintendent, told the board rising food costs prompted a request to raise student lunch prices by 10 cents. The board approved the change after a motion and second: the new price will be $2.70 for elementary lunches and $3.00 for middle and high school lunches. The motion was made by Greg (board member) and seconded by Caleb (board member); the vote was recorded in the meeting as passing "five to zero." Dr. Snyder explained the administration compared local prices with neighboring districts and characterized the increase as keeping lunches "extremely affordable." (Exact comparative data were noted as being in the board packet.)

On personnel, the administration flagged an updated personnel list and one board member announced an abstention from the personnel vote because a family member appeared on the list. The board approved the consent agenda (motion by Don Anderson, second by Greg) with the roll-call passage described in the record as "four to zero." The consent agenda included a recommendation to hire Colleen Worsler (listed as Connie in the packet) as a school resource officer; Chief Pettis led the background-check and interview process and, if approved, will swear the officer in before the school year begins.

The board also reappointed Don Anderson as the district’s representative to the town redevelopment commission (motion by Greg, second by Caleb); that vote was recorded as four to zero. The board approved donations reported by administration: $5,375.98 from the Community Foundation of Elcart County (to be split 75% high school band, 25% middle school band) and $500 from Inside Track PT and Wellness for Northridge Middle School. The donation motion (mover: Caleb; second: Cindy) was recorded as passing five to zero.

During the meeting Dr. Snyder also read an updated personnel notice and a long list of policy revisions proposed as a first reading; the policy list included numerous bylaw and policy numbers the administration said are recommended changes based on Indiana code and Niola Legal Services' guidance. Those revisions were informational at the meeting and will return for further board review at a second reading.

The board adjourned to executive session at the end of the agenda.