School meal prices headed up

A vote by Oconee school trustees to raise the cost of a meal is expected during tonight’s regular meeting of board of trustees.  The district administration recommends a 10-cent increase to comply with requirements of the U-S Department of Agriculture.  The increase, to be effective with the start of the next school year in August, would raise the cost of breakfast to $1.40.  Elementary school lunches would cost $2.05 and lunch for the middle and high schools would increase to $2.25.  According to information provided the trustees, USDA requirements mandate that school lunch prices be increased until the price for a full pay equals the amount that the USDA reimburses for a “free” meal.  While there are two exceptions to the rule, the Oconee district does not qualify for either one.