Plymouth School Committee Approves 50% Adult Meal Price Increase to Address State Compliance Issues
PLYMOUTH - September 8 - The Plymouth School Committee voted unanimously September 8 to raise adult meal prices at district schools by 50%, increasing lunch from $4 to $6 and breakfast from $2 to $4, following the discovery of a three-year-old state compliance finding that was never acted upon by former food service leadership.
The Full Story
The price increases, which take effect immediately, stem from a 2022 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education audit finding that Plymouth's adult meal prices were too low to comply with federal regulations. According to School Business Administrator Dr. Adam Blaisdell, who presented the recommendation, the finding was brought to the attention of the former food service director but was never shared with central administration, only coming to light during recent internal control audits following personnel changes in the department.
"The Food Service Program cannot fund adult meals. It can only fund and support meals for students," Blaisdell explained. "If we were to continue the practice of keeping our lunches too low, the Department of Ed can turn around and say the budget owes school lunch revolving money to make up that difference in price."
Using last year's data, the state determined Plymouth should have been charging approximately $5.28 for adult lunches and $3.12 for breakfast. The new prices of $6 and $4 respectively are designed to ensure compliance through the next fiscal year. Blaisdell acknowledged the district may face financial penalties for the three years of non-compliance, though the extent of any potential back-charges remains unclear.
School Committee member Paul Samargedlis raised concerns about the timing, noting the optics of raising prices following recent food service department issues. However, committee member Christina Bryant defended the action, emphasizing that the corrective action should have been taken during the previous administration's tenure. Superintendent Dr. Chris Campbell clarified that the 2022 finding "was never brought forward to central administration to make a recommendation, which is very critical."
Beyond meal prices, the meeting covered significant ground on multiple district priorities. Campbell presented his draft goals for the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on four key areas: transparent district operations, energy conservation, student transitions, and launching a district-wide volunteer program.
The transparency goal includes quarterly community forums and publications, building on a stakeholder survey that had already received nearly 800 responses within hours of being sent. The energy conservation initiative aims for a 5% reduction in consumption compared to 2025 levels through behavioral changes and equipment upgrades. Campbell noted the district successfully implemented similar measures 20 years ago but had become "relaxed" after installing solar panels.
For student transitions, Campbell outlined plans to develop comprehensive frameworks for pre-K to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, and middle to high school transitions, including career and technical education programs. The volunteer program, modeled after Falmouth's 40-year-old initiative, aims to have all schools participating by year's end.
The committee also received updates on summer capital projects totaling over $9 million approved by town meeting. Key projects include ongoing HVAC repairs district-wide, a new rubber roof at Manomet Elementary (delayed by window back-orders until December), and completed work at PCIS including a "beautiful" new parking lot. The soccer and football turf replacement has been ordered for next summer installation.
Transportation emerged as another significant topic, with officials recommending going out for early bids to gauge potential cost increases before the current contract expires. Campbell noted the district is exploring taking transportation in-house if bid prices become prohibitive, though such a move would represent a massive undertaking requiring new staff, maintenance facilities, and administrative oversight.
In Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) news, enrollment projections suggest a new Hedge Elementary School would accommodate 470 students, while a consolidated Cold Spring-Hedge facility could exceed 750 students - a number that surprised district leadership. The feasibility study continues examining both options.
The meeting also featured positive developments, including Plymouth North High School's field trip approval to see "Hadestown" at Providence Performing Arts Center and the announcement of David Badot as the new food service director, coming from 12 years of experience in Barnstable.
Why It Matters
The adult meal price increase directly affects district employees who purchase breakfast and lunch at schools, representing a significant cost jump that reflects both past compliance failures and current food service reforms. While the impact is limited to staff rather than students, the situation underscores the importance of proper communication between department heads and central administration to ensure regulatory compliance and avoid surprise costs to taxpayers who may ultimately bear responsibility for any state penalties.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Approve Plymouth North High School field trip to Providence Performing Arts Center. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 11:42)
Motion: Increase adult school lunch price to $6 and adult breakfast price to $4 for 2025-2026 school year. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 38:06)
Motion: Approve superintendent's goals for 2025-2026 school year. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:12:25)
Motion: Approve September 8th consent agenda as presented. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:36:17)
What's Next
The September 22nd meeting will feature a comprehensive food service department review with specific corrective actions following the recent audit. The committee will also review FY27 capital requests and potentially hear from Park Plymouth regarding the Nathaniel Morton playground renovation project. Dr. Campbell's final superintendent goals will be presented for approval, and the preschool transition committee meetings will resume by late September or early October.