CLEVELAND, Tenn. — The cost of a meal in a Bradley County schools cafeteria is going up next year to match an increase by the Cleveland City Schools system.

Prices for student meals will go up 20 cents for breakfast, 25 cents for lunch. Adult meal prices will go up by 5 cents for breakfast and 50 cents for lunch.

Schools Business Manager Rick Smith blamed rising food costs, and Schools Director Bob Taylor said school cafeterias have to have reserves for emergencies, such as equipment breakdowns.

“We are not trying to build up a surplus. We are just trying not to go into the hole,” Mr. Taylor said.

Board member Tom Cassada urged a delay, to see how the economy fares.

“People are losing homes now,” Mr. Cassada said.

But Mr. Taylor said the decision had to be made immediately because handbooks for the new school year are being put together now.

Everyone in the school system is concerned about the higher costs faced by families, Mr. Taylor said.

“I’ve been probably the most outspoken proponent of increased education funding in this community for a long time,” Mr. Taylor said.

See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for complete coverage.

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