Lunch prices to go up 20 cents next year, beef prices a concern

By Jessica Breger Special to the Monett Monthly

The Monett School board looks slightly different following the April 16 board meeting with the exit of two board members and the introduction of two new members. 

The board honored Annie Smith and Ashley Bailey as they left the board. Bailey was not present at the meeting, however Smith said a few departing words as board members thanked her for her service. 

Smith, who served on the board for the past four years, said that while Bailey was not present due to a sporting event, she did ask Smith to express her gratitude to the board. 

“It’s an honor to be chosen by the community to be trusted by the community to support the schools. It is a pleasure to celebrate in all of these things,” said Smith, adding that the goal is always to put children first. “So I’ll just say for our new board members. My encouragement to you is that you’re not alone. You have a support team here with you. So, you have to work together.

“That’s also a privilege is being able to come together with different people that have different attitudes, different opinions, different life experiences and working together to make choices for the district and listen to each other and respect each other fully.”

The board then welcomed Ryan Nestleroad and Jennifer Lewis, elected in the April 7 Municipal Election, to the board, joining Ken Gaspar, Walter Branch, Jared Wormington, Matt Batson and Mike Whannell. 

The new structure includes Gaspar as president, Branch as vice president, Ana Espinoza as Secretary, Kristin Umfleet as treasurer and Branch and Gaspar as MSBA Delegate and Alternative, respectively. 

The board also heard updates on facility improvements and financial updates. 

Work continues in the demolition of the district’s “south building” after ensuring proper asbestos removal. Plans were reportedly on track to have the building removed in the coming months. 

It was also reported that there is now increased police presence around bus stops to provide security to students approaching and departing buses. The board expressed their gratitude to the Monett Police as they reported parents have shared their pleasure with the increased safety measures at risky bus stops. 

The board acknowledged an increase to lunch prices for the upcoming school year as food prices continue to rise across the country. 

While the district normally raises lunch prices by 10 cents each year to keep up with the national and global prices, a 20 cent increase is to be implemented for 2026/2027 school year. 

The board discussed that the price of beef alone has been a noticeable challenge across the state for schools, with some programs that allowed for local purchase running out. 

“The farmers are a little more reluctant and to be honest with you,” Superintendent Mark Drake said. “The price of beef that we have to purchase, we have used all our beef. This year, we’re offering other options. That’s so expensive. We would offer a burger to the kids every day until a few weeks ago. Now, we’re looking at other options.” 

As school nears its end, graduation was the most notable upcoming events discussed. 

All events discussed include Celebration of Schools on April 30; Senior Walk on May 1; Senior Awards Night at the PAC on May 4, Baccalaureate at 6 p.m. on May 6; Senior Caravan at 5:30 p.m. on Broadway on May 7; and finally Graduation at 7 p.m. on May 8.

Monett School Board meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Board Administrative Meeting Room located at the District Office.