Sarasota School Board weighs student meal price increases

Sarasota County families could pay more for school breakfast and lunch starting this fall. The School Board is scheduled to vote Tuesday, July 21, on Superintendent Terry Connor's proposal to increase breakfast prices by 25 cents and lunch prices by 40 cents for the 2026-27 school year.

The proposed increases are part of a broader effort to address a projected $6.6 million districtwide revenue shortfall, according to district officials who discussed the budget at a July 14 workshop. The food service program alone is expected to spend nearly $1.4 million more than it collects next year because of rising costs. Since the program is entirely self-funded through meal sales, the proposed price increases would generate about $600,000 to help reduce the deficit.

"As hard as it is, we can't run in the red," Vice Chair Robyn Marinelli said during the workshop. "I don't think that's fiscally smart."

District cuts costs ahead of proposed increase

The district has already reduced food service spending ahead of the board vote. Officials eliminated several manager positions, left vacancies unfilled, switched chicken suppliers and plan to have managers oversee multiple schools next year, changes expected to save about $500,000. Officials also said the cost of Uncrustables sandwiches served in school cafeterias has increased by 50% in recent years.

Chief of Operations Kirk Hutchinson told board members the district is not trying to balance the budget at families' expense. Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals will continue to receive those benefits if the board approves the increase.

Board Chair Bridget Ziegler and members Robyn Marinelli, Liz Barker, Tom Edwards and Karen Rose all voiced support for the proposal during the workshop, though the board has not yet taken a formal vote.

Teacher shortages continue to strain Florida schools

The district's budget challenges come as Florida schools continue to face staffing pressures. The state ranks last in the nation for average teacher salary at $56,663, according to the National Education Association. The Florida Education Association reported Sunday, July 20, that nearly 2,000 teaching positions remain vacant statewide and that 31% of Florida teachers have fewer than four years of experience.

The district has not released a Sarasota-specific teacher vacancy count. It did, however, earn its 23rd consecutive "A" grade from the Florida Department of Education, announced July 1, while continuing to manage financial pressures.

"If even one child walks into a classroom without a permanent, certified teacher this semester, that's one too many," FEA President Andrew Spar said in the association's July 20 statement.

Board also considers fee increases

The School Board will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, at 1980 Landings Blvd. In addition to student meal prices, board members will consider increasing facility rental rates by $25 to $75 and raising the fee for Level 2 volunteer fingerprinting from $38 to $75.