Families loading money onto student lunch accounts in Sarasota County will pay more starting next school year if the School Board approves a proposed price hike Tuesday. Breakfast would go up 25 cents and lunch 40 cents, a change Superintendent Terry Connor said would generate about $600,000 in annual revenue.

The district's food service program is projected to spend nearly $1.4 million more than it takes in during the coming school year. Unlike the general budget, the food program is entirely self-funded through meal sales and cannot be subsidized by other district dollars.

"As hard as it is, we can't run in the red," board member Robyn Marinelli said at the board's July 15 workshop. "I don't think that's fiscally smart."

All five board members present — Marinelli, Tom Edwards, Liz Barker, Bridget Ziegler and Karen Rose — signaled agreement with the meal price increase at the workshop, though nothing was officially adopted.

Rising food and labor costs drive the increase

District officials pointed to rising food and labor costs. The popular Uncrustables sandwich served in school cafeterias has increased 50% in price over the past few years, officials said. Cafeteria staff benefit costs have also risen.

Chief of Operations Kirk Hutchinson told the board the district is not trying to "balance on the backs of our families." The program has already cut costs by sunsetting manager positions, leaving vacant roles unfilled, switching chicken brands, and consolidating management at several schools. Hutchinson said that consolidation alone is projected to save about $500,000.

Free and reduced-price meals will not be affected by the increase, officials confirmed. According to district and All Faiths Food Bank data published in May, 43% of Sarasota County students — more than 19,000 — qualify for free or reduced-cost meals.

Facility rental fees also on the table

The board also backed a proposal to raise facility rental rates by $25 to $75, depending on whether the renter is a nonprofit or for-profit organization. The district projects the increase would bring in $142,117 annually. Facilities available for after-hours rental include the Venice and North Port Performing Arts Centers, gyms, cafeterias and classrooms.

Fingerprint fee hike and sports fee stall out

Two other proposals stalled. Board members balked at nearly doubling the fingerprint fee for Level 2 volunteers from $38 to $75, worried the cost could discourage participation. Edwards suggested keeping the fee the same but adding a donation option; Ziegler proposed exploring a philanthropic partnership to cover costs.

A sports participation fee that could charge private, charter and homeschool students up to $400 per sport was tabled entirely. Connor recommended waiting until the 2027-28 school year. The district identified about 200 such students last year, meaning the fee could eventually generate roughly $80,000.

Board votes Tuesday amid a shrinking fund balance

The School Board votes on meal prices, facility rental rates and volunteer fingerprint fees at 10 a.m. Tuesday at 1980 Landings Blvd. in Sarasota. The district's overall revenue came up $6.6 million short of budget projections last year, and officials said the fund balance continues to shrink year over year.