JACKSON SCHOOL BOARD DEBATES FOOD PROGRAM LOSSES

JACKSON -- Board of Education members discussed ways to combat fiscal losses in the Jackson school district lunch program during a meeting Tuesday night.

School board members voted not to increase food prices this year, despite information that the district's food service program has operated with a deficit for the past three years. Dr. Terry Gibbons, assistant superintendent for finance and support services, informed board members that overall deficits have increased from $14,592.92 in fiscal year 1996, to $34,988.94 in fiscal year 1997, to $57,300.22 in fiscal year 1998.

Food service employees were able to cut actual losses somewhat in fiscal year 1998, when necessary new equipment purchases accounted for a large part of the deficit, he said.

Board members debated the effects of increasing food prices by 10 cents in order to break even during the coming school year. Administrators continued to recommend maintaining prices another year, however, in order to give new projects a chance to make an effect.

"I think this past year the cooks and food service personnel have made a difference and improved spending," said Gibbons. "We're considering a number of projects we think will hold the line on spending this year, and hopefully we'll be able to see further reductions."

Administrators attributed a large portion of the food program losses to low eligibility for the federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program, which generally produces revenue for many area school districts. They said the school district is also in competition with local restaurants due to an uninviting eating environment and an open campus policy at the high school.

The school district also lacks a breakfast program, which requires little additional cost but can be a strong moneymaker for food programs, they said.

Gibbons said future changes to the school lunch program could include adding an a la carte line and increasing vegetable and dessert choices for hot lunches at the junior and senior high schools. More freedom of choice for older students, including daily offerings of hamburgers and French fries, pizza, and taco, potato and pasta bars, could make the difference in purchases by students in upper grade levels, he said.