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Board approves 5¢ increase to school meal prices after nutrition program review
Summary
The Onalaska School District board approved a 5¢ across‑the‑board increase to student meal prices for 2026–27 and left single‑milk at 60¢ after hearing a year‑in‑review presentation from the nutrition director and discussion of participation and equipment investments.
Carrie Johnson, the district’s school nutrition director, presented a year‑in‑review report and asked the board to approve modest price changes for 2026–27. “My recommended school nutrition pricing, seeking board approval for that 5¢ increase across the board and leaving the single price milk at 60¢,” she said, describing new menu items, scratch baking, and partnerships the department has launched to boost participation.
Johnson told the board the program recorded a small deficit into the fund balance (discussed in the meeting as about $4,000) and proposed targeted equipment investments to improve offerings and participation. A board member clarified that a larger $40,000 figure discussed later reflected planned purchases (grill tops and new stoves) rather than an ongoing annual shortfall. After brief discussion about outreach and promotional plans to increase participation, a motion to approve the meal and milk price recommendations passed on a voice vote. The district will implement the new pricing for the 2026–27 school year and continue outreach to families to promote menu changes and new offerings.
