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Schools

Lunch Prices Increase For Stamford Schools

The Stamford Board of Education voted to increase the price of meals by ten cents for the start of the school year.

The Board of Education voted 7-to-1 Tuesday night to increase the price of meals by 10 cents across all grade levels for the start of the school year. The increase will raise the cost of lunches to $2.85 at the elementary level, $3.10 for middle schools, and $3.20 for high schools.

The fiscal committee originally approved the measure July 12 following a meeting with a representative from the district’s food service vendor, Chartwells.

Currently, only 17 percent of purchased lunches make up the overall food revenue. The other 83 percent is found in free and reduced-price lunches for low-income students.

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“This change is not going to affect the youngsters on free and reduced-price lunch,” Board President Polly Rauh said. “That amount is a flat rate from the state. The only thing that is affected will be those families paying that 17 percent.”

Fiscal constraints drove the decision as the program has faced a deficit for the last few years. Since more children have been purchasing lunches, the board is optimistic it can break even.

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“It’s a very dynamic program, the kids are participating more and more," Michael Edgar, district manager at Chartwells school dining services, told the fiscal committee on July 12.

"Over [the] last year we had an over two percent increase in students dining in the school. It’s the way the program needs to go to be financially healthy. Last year the program deficit was about $290,000. This year, I think we’re going be close to $100,000… our goal for 2012 is to get it to financially break even.”

With 17 percent purchasing meals, SPS Director of Finance Hugh Murphy estimates it could bring in $50,000 more this year.

Although the board agreed to add to the lunch prices now, they are reluctant to do so again in the near future.

“I’m inclined to vote for 10 cents now, but I’d need more information before adding another 10 cents in January,” Vice President Jerry Pia said.

“10 cents now and in January? That’s 20 cents more in one year, and that adds up over throughout the week for families with many children,” Acting Superintendent Winifred Hamilton said.

The Office of Family and Community Engagement will work to reach out to parents to communicate this price increase by Sept. 1, the beginning of the new school year. 

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