Lunch prices creeping up in Chisago Lakes

by JEFF NORTON Starting next year, Chisago Lakes meal prices will be on the uptick. The school board approved raising the breakfast price in elementary and secondary schools from $1.15 to $1.25. The lunch price will also rise a little bit, going from $2 at the elementaries to $2.05 and from $2.20 at the secondary schools to $2.25.

The reason, CL School District Food Service Director Kathy Burrill says, is that the guidelines will be changing next year again in an effort to make meals in the schools more healthy. Breakfast will now require one cup of fruits and vegetables instead of a half cup. “With rising food costs, we’ll need the extra cost,” she said. The prices still compare favorably to other similar sized districts in Cambridge-Isanti, North Branch and Forest Lake, the Board heard.

There is also the fact that the district will feature all day, every day kindergarten next year, and every kindergarten student gets a free breakfast. Due to the first year of kindergarten breakfast, Burrill said it was tough to set the food service budget. “It’s a guessing game with losses,” she said in reference to the breakfast.

Steve Dibb, Assistant Commisioner at the Minnesota Department of Education, was on-hand to congratulate Chisago Lakes Middle School for its national Green Ribbon designation. “This is great work by Chisago Lakes Middle School,” Dibb said. “To earn the designation, the building needs to be environmentally healthy, exhibit sustainability and be exemplary in all facets.” Middle School educators Pat Collins and Tom Tengwall, along with Director of Buildings and Grounds Tim Burton were recognized.

Three board members will be up for election in November, Mark Leigh, Tom Lawlor and Dani Strenke. Filing dates for potential candidates are July 29 to August 12. There is a $2 filing fee.