Board Approves Meal Price Increases
School meal prices will increase Nov. 1 following a vote by the Culbertson school board at its Oct. 19 meeting.
Student breakfast will cost $2, and student lunch will rise to $3.25. Adult breakfast will cost $2.75, with adult lunch increasing to $5.
According to the meeting minutes, meal prices have remained unchanged for numerous years while food costs and salaries have steadily increased. Discussion included concerns about the size of the increase and a suggestion to raise prices gradually.
Trustees Amber Fox, Lisa Steppler and Verlin Steppler voted in favor of the new prices. Chris Newbill voted against the motion.
The board also discussed changes made following a food program audit, including serving sizes, and the possibility of using commodity foods to provide students with additional food. Student achievements brought recognition during the meeting. Felixe Becker was recognized for selection to All-State Band and National FFA Band. Reports also highlighted students preparing to attend music festivals in Dickinson and Minot, along with 14 students who qualified for the state cross-country meet in Billings.
Several staffing decisions received board approval. Jeffrey Haus was hired as junior high and elementary assistant track coach, and Ashlee Anderson was hired as co-adviser for Business Professionals of America to assist Janelle Ator.
Trustees approved hiring Camryn Zink as a guest teacher, pending a background check, and Harper Struna as a student custodian for one hour before school. The board also accepted Brittney Pirkle’s resignation, effective Sept. 18, and approved a sick leave bank request for up to three weeks.
Looking ahead, trustees set graduation for 1 p.m. Saturday, May 22, 2027, and approved a fall driver’s education course with David Solem.
The board renewed its interlocal agreement with the RooseValley Special Education Cooperative and its membership in the Montana Quality Education Coalition for the 2026-27 school year. Trustees also approved the second reading of the Federal Impact Funds policy and accompanying procedure. Discussion of board goals was tabled.
An athletic committee meeting is planned for a halfhour before the November board meeting to discuss establishing girls’ flag football.
