The Salem Community High School Board agreed to raise breakfast and lunch prices at Monday night’s meeting after learning an Illinois State Board of Education Audit found they are too low. Superintendent Dr. Brad Detering says to expect a dime increase each of the next few years in breakfast and lunch prices to come into compliance.
“One of the findings that came up is based on the federal reimbursement, state reimbursement and our previous lunch numbers we did receive a citation that we don’t charge enough for lunch and breakfast. So the minimum amount to become in compliance is to raise it a dime.”
Detering says for the coming school year the price of lunch will be $3.35 and for breakfast the cost will rise to $1.85. He notes the price hasn’t been raised for four years. The cafeteria showed a $19,000 loss last year.
Detering also gave the board an update on progress on numerous summer improvement projects.
“All the tile is laid on the 2nd and 3rd floor and we are waiting on wax. The lockers on all three floors have been repaired and painted. We are laying tile on the first floor. The student services offices have been remodeled. The weight room is remodeled and flooring being laid now. The sound system project in the gym is completed and sounds wonderful.”
Detering says everything is on schedule to have all the work completed before school starts.
Detering says the budget changes for the fiscal year that ended June 30th have been completed. He reports the district was able to eliminate its projected deficit in the education fund and the negative balance in the operations fund ended where expected with cash flow paying for last year’s cafeteria improvements.
In personnel news, the board employed Kyla Motch and Allison West as Prom Sponsor, Kendra Henderson as math team coach, and Leonard Watson as bus driver pending licensure and successful background screening.
The board also accepted the retirement of third floor custodian Kenny Frankrome effective July 31st. Detering says the school district is now accepting applications for a custodian to replace him.
