Compiled by Ann Marie Shambaugh
The Carmel Clay School board met June 26 to discuss school lunch prices and unstructured play, among other items.
What happened: The school board approved a 5 cent increase in lunch prices at the elementary and secondary levels.
What it means: The Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 requires school districts to increase lunch prices by a minimum of 5 cents to close the gap between the federal free meal reimbursement rate ($3.22) and the paid meal price set by the district. Elementary lunches will be $2.45 and secondary lunches will be $2.65.
What’s next: The price changes go into effect for the 2017-18 school year. The additional funds will offset increased costs stemming from the Affordable Care Act and equipment replacement.
What happened: CCS Supt. Nicholas Wahl said that unstructured play and recess options will be a big component of the next elementary education program evaluation.
What it means: Wahl cited recent pediatric studies that show the connection between time for unstructured play and student achievement, cognitive development and other benefits. He said that principals have given their teachers the freedom to use unstructured play and brain breaks as works best for their own classrooms.
What’s next: The evaluation will take place during the 2017-18 school year.
