By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Following a pair of special meetings Monday, the USD 489 Board of Education heard a recommendation to increase meal prices for the coming school year.

Director of Nutrition Jessica Younker discussed a 10 cent increase to breakfast and lunch prices.

Younker said the recommendation comes as a result of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Price Equity Tool, which calculates the increased cost of beef, and new federal requirements that require school meals include more whole grains.

Younker said the district is waiting for bids on milk, which also could effect the district’s expenses.

The issue will be an agenda item at the next school board meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. July 23 at Rockwell Administration Center.

Other items to be discussed include a presentation by USD 489 Foundation President Roger Bixenman and approval of 2014-15 student and staff handbooks.

Related story: Board OKs network upgrades in special meeting.