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Interim Superintendent Michael Cyr advised directors that the hot lunch program is no longer self-supporting. "We're not breaking even, we're not even close," he said Tuesday. Cyr said the district was supporting the program with about $24,000. "We've quite a hemorrhaging of costs." Taking the advice of federal authorities who audited the district's hot lunch program, Cyr had recommended price increases in the meals offered by the district, including charging a small fee for breakfast. But he admitted, "Every time you raise the price you lose people." The superintendent said other recommendations made by the federal officials have already been instituted, such as reducing the seven menus that existed in the district to two common menus, and using more government foods. Cyr's suggestion to charge 50 cents for breakfast did not sit well with directors. Director Phyllis Watson said the board had made a commitment a couple of years ago to provide children with a free breakfast and said they should stand by that commitment. "I think it's one of the most important things we've ever done." Others said that national studies indicate that children perform better in school if they eat a good breakfast. "I just think if we charge for it children won't be eating breakfast," Director Pam Goulette said. After discussing the matter at length, directors voted to set the price of secondary meals at $1.50 and 50 cents for those who meet income guidelines. Elementary meals will cost $1.25 per meal and 50 cents for income-eligible pupils. Adult meals will cost $2.50. In other matters, directors voted to sanction this year's Project Graduation for seniors. The students plan to spend the night at the YMCA in Boothbay and then continue to Six Flags in Massachusetts. Some concern was raised after the YMCA asked the district for a certificate of insurance. Cyr told directors that it does not appear that the event is covered under the district's policy with the Varney Agency because the trip is sponsored by the parents of the graduating seniors. But Maine School Management includes such events under its policies, Cyr noted. "It is not a clear issue," Board Chairman William Hume said of the liability coverage. "There's a danger here for both Project Graduation and the district," he said. The issue was resolved when Piscataquis Community High School Principal Bruce Lindberg said he would find the funds outside of the school district if the district's policy does not cover the event. An update was provided on the district's attempt to find ways to reduce costs in the wake of declining enrollment. Several avenues are being investigated, including school closings, but any recommendations made will not affect the 2001-2002 school year, directors were told. Public hearings will be held once the final recommendations have been made. |