ST. PARIS - Graham board members learned about plans to implement a new school breakfast program at the elementary school during Monday night's board meeting.
Superintendent Jim Zerkle said the price for breakfast will have a three-tier structure for students based on their current eligibility for free and reduced lunches.
"We're going to field test in January," Zerkle said. "We'll start at the elementary, but I think it has the potential to make money at the high school. A lot of students come in early at 7 a.m. and have to sit in the cafeteria before classes start anyway."
Board member Michelle Whitley-Turner said many students often get on the bus too early to get a meal, so the in-school breakfast option could be beneficial. She also pointed out that the use of personal-identification numbers to pay for food in the cafeteria has removed the stigma of free and reduced lunch tickets.
Zerkle said the program was launched through a grant, and the cost of free and reduced meals will be reimbursed to the district by the state. Parents who participated in a community survey supported the idea, he added.
"The number of economically disadvantaged kids has grown in our district," Zerkle said. "It is essential that we at least try. Everyone needs to be treated fairly."
Zerkle updated board members on the status of a private property on Heck Hill Road, which the district was considering buying at a sheriff's sale while the property was in foreclosure earlier this year.
"The Kronk property has finally been cleared up and we can get 1.6 acres," Zerkle said. "The contract is at the lawyer's office being drawn up as we speak."
The $24,000 for purchase of a corridor to expand parking and create secondary traffic access to the middle school and elementary school will most likely come from permanent improvement funds, Jenkins said.
"The Kronk property is essential for traffic flow and safety," Board President Pat Wagner said.
Board Member Brett Evilsizor was unanimously elected to serve as president pro-tem at the board's organizational meeting on Jan. 8 at 5:30 p.m. Treasurer Ryan Jenkins will also present the tax budget prior to that meeting, and Graham Digital Academy will have a presentation after the organizational meeting, Zerkle said.
Breanne Parcels can be reached at bparcels@urbanacitizen.com.
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