Harrison board reluctantly approves small increases to student meal prices for 2026–27

The Harrison School Board of Education voted Tuesday to raise several meal prices for the 2026–27 school year after administration recommended modest increases driven by rising food and labor costs and guidance from the Arkansas Department of Education’s price‑look‑up (PLE) tool.

Administration recommended a 25‑cent increase for student lunches: kindergarten–fourth grade lunch from $2.85 to $3.10 and grades five–12 from $3.00 to $3.25. The presentation also listed adult breakfast increasing from $2.50 to $2.75 and adult lunch from $4.15 to $4.40. Administration cited the PLE tool’s suggested range (about 20¢–35¢) and noted uncertainty in future federal reimbursement rates as contributing factors.

Board members expressed frustration that basic student meal needs still require family payment. During debate, a board member characterized charging for student meals as unacceptable and urged action at state and federal levels; the board authorized drafting a letter to legislators. Administration stressed that federal after‑school and summer feeding programs differ from school meal program funding and that some federal programs cannot simply replace school meal revenue.

A motion to "reluctantly approve" the recommendation passed; the meeting recorded one no vote (Mr. Bur). The board asked administration to include the price changes in board records and to continue tracking state and federal policy options that could offset future increases.

The board’s action will be reflected in district cafeteria pricing for the 2026–27 school year; administration said it would provide updated financial details as reimbursements and final budgets become clearer.