Board approves bids, sets meal rates

The Concordia R-2 Board of Education had a relatively-light agenda for its July meeting with a number of topics relating to the district's meal program.

Superintendent Mary Beth Scherer presented the board with its only option for milk and juice, a proposal from Hiland Dairy of Warrensburg. Scherer said she had solicited additional bids from Central Dairy and Anderson Erickson Dairy, but those companies declined to submit them.

Scherer told the board this wasn't exactly unexpected, as only Hiland had bid on the contract last year. While there was a lack of competition, she added that Hiland's bid was a good one and actually came in lower than last year.

The company submitted bids for whole, 2 percent and chocolate milk in half-pint containers and apple, grape and orange juice in four-ounce con- tainers.

The milk products range from 26.86 cents to 28.09 cents each. The juices will cost the district between 17 and 22 cents each.

It is important to note, however, the bid prices are subject to change depending on fluctuations in the global milk market.

Last year's milk bids ranged from 30.66 cents to 31.93 cents. Juice prices are virtually unchanged from the previous year.

When it came to choosing a bread vendor, the board did have some choice. Of the four companies contacted, two submitted proposals.

Interstate Brands, who had the contract last year, came in with the higher bid. Its bread and bun products ranged from $1.25 to $1.35 per package. Bimbo Bakeries, a Springfield-based company, had prices ranging from 90 cents to $1.25.

Scherer said she had been in contact with the kitchen staff, and they have no problem with making a switch in providers. With that in mind, the board voted without dissent to approve the lower bid.

With those bids out of the way, the board next took action to set meal prices for the coming year. Scherer explained that while it is up to districts to set their own rates, there are guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Following those guidelines, most districts in the county and surrounding area are raising their rates between 5 and 10 cents this year.

"It is my goal that the food service program is to be self-sustaining," Scherer said. "But we ended in the black, so I am not really interested in raising prices above what I am required to do."

In order to do that, Scherer recommended an increase of 10 cents to lunch prices while leaving the prices for breakfast unchanged.

The board accepted the recommendation and approved it without dissent.