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Board told food services operates at a loss; administration proposes 25¢ lunch increase
Summary
Food‑service operators reported an operating loss of about $60,000 (excluding equipment) and requested a 25¢ increase to school lunch prices, expected to add roughly $22,000–$25,000 in revenue; the board will consider the motion later in the meeting.
Food‑service staff told the West Geauga Local School District Board that the lunch program is running at an operating loss and asked the board to consider a modest price increase to reduce that deficit.
Director (Speaker 6) said the food‑service operation had roughly a $40,000 revenue increase this year — largely from higher federal subsidies — but still faced an operating shortfall. "Take out the equipment... you're looking at about a $60,000 operating loss," Director (Speaker 6) said, adding that including equipment purchases the loss was nearer $100,000.
To help narrow the gap, the administration proposed raising paid-lunch prices by 25¢, a change projected to bring in about $22,000–$25,000 in additional revenue. "We have not had price increases since before COVID," Director (Speaker 6) said, and the board discussed the need to pair the price change with other cost‑management and participation‑boosting efforts.
Board members asked for more detail on options beyond a price increase; Director (Speaker 6) said the administration is evaluating additional measures to reduce costs and boost participation and will bring options back to the board. The meeting record shows the board later approved a resolution to increase lunch fees for 2026–27 by roll call.
The board's vote allocates any gate or meal revenue to the appropriate fund; the presenter confirmed the lunch-price change is intended to reduce the food-service deficit without increasing student participation fees.
