Food service program maintains positive fund balance, offers healthier options

The Board reviewed a summary of the breakfast and lunch programs provided by Quest Food Services and sampled some of their new cuisine. Since the district began outsourcing its food service program in 1992, it has gradually reduced its deficit and will end this fiscal year with a positive fund balance of $228,336.  District Director of Operations Dr. Kim Ptak also reported a 7% decrease in sales this year, thought to be the result of the economy, an increase in free and reduced lunches, and more students purchasing the daily value meals.

In an effort to continue to increase healthy food options, Quest is piloting a new program called "Quest for Life" at GBN.  At this station, all of the food is prepared fresh, from scratch, and from locally grown products when possible.  Quest also provides students with information about healthy and natural food choices. In addition to healthier foods, Quest is committed to a healthier planet as well - providing environmentally friendly paper and packaging products that replace the use of Styrofoam.

Board reviews bookstore services

The district outsources its bookstore operation to Follett Higher Education Group.  Approximately 85% of families purchased textbooks from Follett this past year, a slight decrease of 5% from previous years.  District officials assume the remaining 15% of families purchased textbooks from sources such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 

Textbook costs have remained stable over the past three years, with average costs ranging from $371 to $493, depending on grade level and course schedule. Usually, families can recoup approximately 50-60% of the cost of these textbooks when they sell them back at the end of the school year. 

While the district has reviewed and considered a textbook rental program, a purchase-based program is still believed to be the most economical for our families.  

Miscellaneous Topics

During the miscellaneous segment of the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle informed the Board that the current catwalk harness system in the GBN auditorium no longer meets current safety codes and needs to be replaced.  

The administration initiated studies of the harness systems in the auditoriums at both schools and a similar action will be required at GBS.  Use of the catwalks at both schools has been discontinued until the harness systems can be replaced.  

Although action by the board to complete the work was not necessary, they enthusiastically supported the action to ensure a safer environment for students and staff by voting to approve the purchase of a new harness system for the GBN auditorium.  In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, a school board is not allowed to vote on an item that does not appear on the posted agenda for the meeting.  Therefore, the vote taken by the board is invalid and the item will be placed on the September 26 meeting agenda for discussion / action.  

A similar system for the GBS auditorium will be brought to the board in early October.