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Board approves no‑cost breakfast and lunches for applicants after district fundraising
Summary
The board approved providing breakfast and lunches at no cost to students completing the lunchroom application; Superintendent Spears said donations and a modest general‑fund subsidy would cover costs (about $15,000 for lunches and $3,000 for breakfasts based on last year).
The Burlington Public Schools Board voted July 16 to provide breakfast and lunches at no cost to students who complete the district lunchroom application for FY26. The action followed a presentation from Superintendent Gerrett Spears on funding options.
Spears told the board that "Superintendent Walters' mandate for each school to cover lunches and breakfast does not follow current legal statutes," and that he has worked since March to secure donations to cover the year's meal costs. He estimated lunch costs billed last year at approximately $15,000 and breakfast costs at about $3,000; the board approved offering meals at no cost, relying on donations and a general‑fund subsidy. The motion, made by April Kisling and seconded by Callie Pray, passed 4–0 with Robert Hill absent.
The board did not adopt a universal free-meal program for all students; the approval covers students who complete the lunchroom application, and Superintendent Spears indicated the district will continue to seek donations and monitor costs as the year progresses.
