Prices to raise by 5 cents

McCOOK, Nebraska -- It will cost five cents more to buy meals at McCook Schools next year.

The McCook School Board of Education unanimously approved the increase at the regular meeting Monday night.

The increase is in response to new federal guidelines concerning government reimbursements to schools offering free- and reduced-price lunches.

McCook School District Business Manager Rick Haney told the board Monday night that according to current reimbursement rates, the district has eight years to increase prices by 40 cents. The rate could increase or decrease, he added.

The McCook School District was notified last year that it would have to raise meal prices by 30 cents. In June 2011, the board approved a 10-cent price hike for school breakfasts and lunches, with the idea to increase prices gradually.

With this newest increase, lunches at McCook Elementary will go from $1.95 to $2; at Central Elementary, $2.o5 to $2.10 and at the Junior/Senior High, from $2.2o to $2.25.