USD 253 Emporia will subsidize the costs of reduced-price meals for the second straight year.
Board members voted unanimously to take that step as part of their regular meeting Wednesday, and Superintendent Allison Anderson-Harder says this is a big step for students and their families.
Of the 4,400 students on meal plans last year, just over 480 qualified for reduced meals — the lowest number for that category the past six years. Nearly 1,750 students were in the full-priced meal category, while over 2,170 students qualified for free meals.
Anderson-Harder says the district had anticipated a bigger bill than it actually saw last year. The district budgeted for $67,000 if all qualifying students had eaten both breakfast and lunch at reduced rates. The actual cost was just over $30,000.
Anderson-Harder says the board has decided to review tentative renewal plans annually and to make its decision in late June rather than August, giving families more incentive to apply for free or reduced meals.
Separately, board members approved a project to improve the Emporia High Retention Pond between the school and Pizza Ranch. Emporia High teacher Matt Irby says this will be a good learning environment for various biology projects.
The district is not setting aside any funds for this project. Martin and Irby have secured a $10,000 grant from Chickadee. Martin says it could take another $30,000 for a full restoration, and a decision on at least one significant grant request could be announced relatively soon.
