The board discussed raising the cost of both breakfast and lunch by 25 cents to help offset rising food expenses and prevent future budget shortfalls. If approved, the district's full-price lunch would rise above the current national average of just over $3.
As food costs continue to climb, community partners are also working to expand access to meals for students. The nonprofit Toward Zero Waste collaborates with the district to reduce cafeteria waste and redistribute unopened food items.
According to Director Megan Holler, the program is now in 37 Wake County schools.
"On average, 41 unopened and unpeeled food items per day, per school, (are collected) and provided back to our students outside of meal time when they might need them the most," Holler said. "We still have over 40 schools on our waiting list, and we are doing everything we can to get to every school as quickly as possible."
Board members also plan to review contracts for school resource officers and consider infrastructure upgrades at aging campuses, including Cary High School. District administrators are asking the board to approve funding and other preparations needed for the upcoming school year.
The board is expected to continue reviewing the proposals in the coming weeks.
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