Lawrence school board members did not yet vote Tuesday on whether to raise school meal prices next year by 15 cents for lunches and 10 cents for breakfasts.
Administrators provided board members with background information about the possibility of price increases as the district works to keep its food service fund from sliding deeper into deficit.
They said the increase is needed to help offset rising food, labor and supply costs while preserving the fund for operations.
“We know that students who are hungry cannot learn adequately,” Superintendent Jeanice Swift said. “We take very seriously our mission to oversee and to deliver quality nutritious meals for our students.”
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The district serves about 5,000 meals a day and more than 1 million reimbursable student breakfasts and lunches each school year, Swift said. Julie Henry, director of nutrition and wellness, said the food service budget operates on about $6 million annually and has been under pressure as the cost of food and ingredients has continued to rise.
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Administrators said the proposed price increase will not apply to students who qualify for reduced-price meals, which will still cost 40 cents for lunches and 30 cents for breakfasts. Free meals will remain free.
The district has already increased meal prices in recent years, and the latest proposal is intended as a stopgap rather than a full solution.
“This is not going to perform any miracles,” said Cynde Frick, executive director of finance. “We are trying to manage that gap between revenue and expenses.”
Meal prices for 2026-27 will be brought back to the board for action at its June 8 meeting. They also discussed the possibility of more families applying for free and reduced-price meals when enrollment opens in July.
The district will continue looking at efficiencies, including possible new revenue streams and ways to preserve food quality while controlling costs.
The district will provide free meals and meal kits over the summer for all kids. Read more about that in this article.
Board members on Tuesday also approved contracts with district teachers and education support professionals.
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Courtney Lane (she/her), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2026. She can be reached at [email protected].
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