Bradley school board members talk about cafeteria costs

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.

Bradley Board of Education members voted Thursday night to increase prices.

“I have spoken with cafeteria managers and they are already lossing money,’’ board member Troy Weathers said. “That’s a self-sufficient operation, not local tax dollars. We have to do something or they will go out of business. If we don’t do something, they will be laying off employees.’’

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.

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

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

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

Mr. Cassada pointed out the cafeterias have a reserve fund totaling $900,000 and all school cafeterias are operating in the black.

But other board members said the reserve fund is well below the state recommendation. Mr. Taylor said 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.

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.