SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES BREAKFAST PROGRAM

JACKSON -- Board of Education members approved a pilot breakfast program for three Jackson elementary schools during a meeting Tuesday.

Beginning next week, students will be able to purchase breakfast every morning at Millersville, Gordonville and North elementary schools. The meals will consist of an entree, juice and milk and will cost 75 cents.

Assistant superintendent Dr. Terry Gibbons said the program is designed to have multiple benefits for the district. Students who might normally miss breakfast will be able to eat before starting their day, he said. The district, which deficit spends annually in its food service program, will benefit from an increase in student participation and consequently, increased revenue.

"Overall, our expectation is to benefit kids, increase overall participation in food service and improve that program's bottom line," Gibbons said.

Club presentations were made to the board by Team Spirit, a drug and alcohol awareness club at the high school, and West Lane Elementary School's community/parent program. Schools superintendent Dr. Howard Jones said the presentations are part of an effort by school officials to keep board members informed about outstanding programs that exist in the district.

Assistant superintendent Fred Jones gave a report on recent state legislation involving funding opportunities for school-sponsored preschool programs. Jones will work with educators and community child care providers during the next two months to consider whether Jackson schools should consider submitting a grant proposal for the Missouri Preschool Project.

In other business, board members accepted an audit of last year's fiscal budget and approved change orders to complete small projects at South Elementary School.