California R-I School Board considers lunch menus

The topics discussed by California R-I School Board at the Wednesday, Sept. 17, meeting included school lunch menus, the recent power surge/failure, sports participation and possible half-time entertainment

The lunch menus were high on the list because of some recent social media comments and a few phone calls to school board members. Superintendent Dwight Sanders commented that the school cooks are doing their best to prepare meals which fall within the guidelines. An example given was if a cheese sauce is served with spaghetti, the guidelines will not allow a serving of bread, since that would be a second grain and would be a violation.

One board member commented the guidelines have narrowed both the choices and the portions which can be served and control needs to go back to the local level. While there is a limit on meat protein and grains, at the high school and middle schools, a paid lunch allows unlimited amounts of vegetable, salad and fruit options. In addition, there is an a la cart menu students may choose from. That menu includes pizza, chicken strips and more.

During the discussion, Sanders was asked what the cost to the district would be if it withdrew from the government food subsidy program. "About $300,000 a year," was his estimate. He said breakfast and lunch participation has not fallen significantly in the district and food prices have not been raised in three years.

The request was made to determine the cost to the district, and bring it to the board, about how much it would be "to go on our own."

The effects of the "electrical-type emergency" on a Friday morning a few weeks ago was reported. Sanders said it was a power surge and outage. The damage is still being assessed. Comments were given about how well the school staff kept the students organized in the unusual circumstances.

In answer to a question concerning the possibility of student participation in multiple sports activities, the board discussion left the current system in place. Although overlap in some sports is a problem, the Athletic Director Rick Edwards said the coaches should make the decision. Sanders said the topic came up as a result of questions from the community. He said in addition to the discussion by the board, the matter will be discussed with assembled administrators and coaches. Above all, he wants the school priority to be academics.

The possibility of a football game halftime field goal kicking contest was brought up. Sam Brant appeared to discuss the possibility, since some other schools and other sports have such sponsored events with sponsors donating prizes. Currently, the board has no policy for guidance in the matter. It was brought up that it could be considered an opportunity to increase attendance and entertainment, but that there is not a lot of time for such things.

The board agreed to allow one such halftime event to take place at a game to be determined later. Administrators and board representatives will look into whether it is possible to add such events to more games.

The next regular board meeting is set for Oct. 15.