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Board approves small adult lunch fee increase; students remain on federal CEP
Summary
The board approved adult meal rate changes for the 2026–27 school year while confirming that students will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch through the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP); staff said CEP reapplications occur in April and the program typically runs on four-year cycles.
At the work session the board reviewed proposed lunch fees for the 2026–27 school year and voted to approve the adult fee changes while students continue to receive free breakfasts and lunches under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
Mr. Miles told the board, "Good news, again, our students will receive free breakfast and lunch, through the the federal CEP program." He said this is the final year before the district's CEP application cycle and that the district will reapply in April. Mr. Miles explained the adult fee increase is tied to the federal formula that determines reimbursement rates and added the change is intended to align adult charges with what the district receives back for student meals.
Board members pressed for clarity on cafeteria finances. Mr. Miles and Miss Brown, the district's director of food services, said the cafeteria operates as a self-sustaining fund that pays its own expenses, including labor, supplies and upgrades; federal reimbursements under CEP are the largest revenue source. Miss Brown explained the CEP mechanics: "It's always 4 years. We will reapply with the numbers that we have as of April 1... You have to be at least 6062% to be free and completely free and get a 100% reimbursement," and staff invest time matching district records to maximize reimbursement.
On the agenda the board recorded a motion to approve the proposed lunch fees; the motion was moved on the record and approved by voice vote. The president announced, "The lunch fees have been approved." The transcript records a voice vote of "aye" and does not provide an individual roll-call tally.
