Cheney board approves lunch price increase

The Cheney School Board filled the library of Salnave Elementary School thanks to an action-packed agenda that included several staff reports and nearly half a dozen school board policy revisions.

To kick off the evening, Salnave students told board members about the benefits of "morning meetings," in which the students gather to greet one another by name, share information about themselves and participate in a group activity. These meetings, typically introduced in a 20-minute timeframe, have been instituted in schools across the country to praise from educators and parents. The students, ranging in age from first to fifth-grade, said the practice made them feel good and helped them start their day.

Salnave Elementary School teachers Heidi Hoblin, Amanda Larson and Kyndle Palmer facilitated the presentation and said the meetings were often their favorite part of the day and helped students to develop empathy and connect with their peers.

An update from finance director Jamie Weingart likely put district staff at ease. With Spokane schools issuing more than 300 layoff notices this month, budget concerns have weighed heavy on the minds of teachers and district officials. However, Weingart said the district "is doing very well with the resources we have."

"There will be no layoffs in the spring," Superintendent Rob Roettger added.

Roettger also recognized several students for their achievements at the area's recent Spokane Scholars Night. Multiple Cheney students received thousands of dollars in scholarship funds.

"We have to recognize these students for academics - it's a big deal," Roettger said.

The board unanimously approved four policy revisions in rapid succession, including one detailing high school graduation requirements, and adopted a new school board procedure governing how students earn competency-proficiency credits.

In new business, the board heard from district nutrition director L.J. Klinkenberg, who proposed approving the renewal of two vendor contracts and requested approval for the increase of nutrition services prices for the 2019-2020 school year. According to board documents, the cost of full price school lunches will go up by about 10 cents each in order to comply with government price regulations. The district is required to adjust their prices based on participation and federal reimbursements, Klinkenberg said.

The board quickly granted unanimous approval and praised Klinkenberg for the food prepared for students across the district.

"For that kind of money, we get a really excellent product," board member Suzanne Dolle said.

The board also heard first readings of an additional school board policy revision concerning district gifts and grants and a new policy on contests, advertising and promotions.

Shannen Talbot can be reached at [email protected].