Lunch Prices Will Increase at Public Schools in September

After briefly confirming the economic health of the public school system at last night's Board of Education meeting, vice-chairman Stephen DiCapua announced higher school lunch prices for the 2011-2012 school year.

Prices will rise at all schools: $2.25 to $2.50 at elementary schools, $2.40 to $2.75 at the middle school and $2.50 to $2.75 at the high school. The increases will enable the school system to recoup recent losses—$22,000 this year and $39,000 last year—that resulted from higher food and wage costs and slower business due to snow days.

"The new prices will get us to break even and the prices are in line with federal standards," DiCapua said.

The price increases won't impact students who get subsidized meals, which are paid for by the government.

DiCapua called for a vote on the new lunch prices, which the board approved unanimously.

Schools Superitendent Dr. Robert Cronin welcomed Dana Corriveau, the new Director of Student Services. Corriveau was introduced and spoke briefly about her career and indicated her enthusiasm about directing the department.

Cronin also applauded the Eyewitness to History program in which townspeople discuss their experiences from the depression and other historic periods at high school social studies classes. He said the program "is a wonderful way for students to learn about history," and he complimented students for asking thoughtful questions.

Cronin also announced that Agnes Cornwall, an art teacher at the Montowese Elementary School, has won the teacher of the year award for North Haven, and will compete for the state award.