McPHERSON, Kan. — For the first time in six years and only the second time since 2016, meal prices for McPherson USD 418 are proposed to stay the same for the 2025-26 school year. Food Service Director Bill Froese told the Board of Education Monday his recommendation is based on current budget status and projected food prices and revenue, at least as of now.
Froese told the board he’s looking at improving efficiencies and possibly making changes in how it procures food for the program.
USD 418 has in recent years tended to have among the highest school meal charges in the area. Last year the district approved a 30 cent across the board increase in meal prices, which since the 2020-21 school year have increased in USD 418 by nearly 29 percent. There was no charge for meals in the 2021-22 school year.
The Board set a special meeting for next Tuesday, April 22, at 6 PM at the Central Office to continue review of a new strategic plan for the district. While it was initially expected the plan would be ready for approval by now, Superintendent Shiloh Vincent said, “It’s always important you don’t let a timeline dictate how you develop a plan,” encouraging the board to take the time it feels necessary to get it right.
The Board approved a lease-purchase agreement to address the district’s most critical HVAC needs. The agreement through Emprise Bank carries an interest rate of 4.45 percent, which Vincent said in light of the current financial markets is a good rate.
Vincent also provided an update on a request for qualifications it sent to architectural firms after the Board last month agreed to transition away from DLR Group, which had developed plans for bond projects rejected by voters. This selected firm will help the district take a close look at needs of USD 418, and work with their facilities committee and the Board on how to address them.
Vincent told the board a number of firms have already expressed interest in providing those services, and they are generally from the area.
