The Poplarville School Board met Monday evening at the School District Board Room where they approved an increase to student and teacher meal prices, approved the summer feeding program, and middle school vaccinations. They also conditionally approved a land lease bid for $7,722, from Colin Vidal, for hunting and fishing.

The board agreed to raise prices for student and teacher meals served at the school because the lunchroom manager said the USDA wants students who pay for the meals to equal to the number of students who do not pay for their meals. She said the cafeteria department is currently going in hole by providing students breakfast for $1 and needs to increase the price to $1.25. Lunch will increase from $1.50 to $2 for students and teachers will pay $3.

Superintendent Carl Merritt said that students are never denied lunch, instead they are allowed to charge the purchase, and parents are notified. The high school parents are the more difficult to notify.

When asked if there was an automated system for payment, Merritt replied, “Yes, but it will cost parents 5 percent more for the online payment system.”

Merritt added that an automated call system is available, but it’s only used in emergencies so it would not be feasible to use to collect lunch fees.

At that time, the board heard that the summer feeding program would take place again this year, with the main location being at the lower elementary with satellite locations at the upper middle school and high school.

Children younger than one year to 18-years-old receive free breakfast and lunch through the federally funded program.

The board also approved Merritt’s recommendation for middle school vaccinations. Merritt said there is “… tremendous participation from parents.”

He added if the families can’t afford to pay the $10 fee through the school program they have the option of going to the health department. Medicaid or CHIPS patients can receive the vaccination for free.

The board accepted the highest bid for a 643 acres hunting and fishing land lease for from Colin Vial for $7,722. The acceptance was subject to the secretary’s approval.

In other matters the board:

—  Approved to sign the Alternative School agreement and the School Status Data Services Agreement.

—  Approved to renew the contract with Giaise Photography based on quality, dependability and punctuality to all events.

—  Approved the School Nurse Intervention Program Grant Applications, which are needed to fund school nurse positions at the schools. Merritt said the grants provided $100,000 for the past few years which funded nurse positions.

—  Approved a motion to provide emergency bus service for Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home. This is the third year the school district has participated in this partnership..

—  Agreed to review the cell phone policy before next year’s school policy handbook revision is due.

—  Accepted four resignations.

—  Approved to advertise for vacant positions publically and internally.

—  Approved a bid for psychological services.

—  Approved a MDE Technology Enhancement Grant, which provides funding based on number of students for technology enhancement.

—  Approved salary scales.

The Board will meet again Monday, June 9, at 6 p.m.