RSU 73 board votes to opt out of evening-meal CACFP for 2024–25

The RSU 73 school board voted to opt out of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) for fiscal year 2024–25 after a presentation and follow-up questions about cost and logistics.

Laura, a district staff member presenting the item, told the board that CACFP "would be an evening meal or snack program" and that state law (LD 577) requires participation for a school with more than 50% free-and-reduced-price eligibility unless the board votes to opt out annually. She said the district has historically opted out "for both logistical and financial reasons," and described operational hurdles: meals must be served and consumed on-site, staffing would be needed for preparation, service and cleanup, and recordkeeping varies by building ("in our high school and our middle school we have pins, 4 digit pins").

Board members pressed the presenter on likely staff hours and whether the current site would attract families. Board member Tina noted the board needed clarity about the expected staffing commitment; Laura said she could not provide exact hours but cited the district's COVID-era experience when low take-up meant the site was not a feasible distribution point for evening meals.

After the discussion the chair "entertained a motion for RSU 73 to opt out of the CACFP for fiscal year 2024–25." The motion was made and seconded (names spoken during the meeting: Dawn Stroud and Holly) and passed by roll call. The chair thanked Laura for the presentation.

Why it matters: opting out keeps the district from adding a regular evening meal service that administrators say would require additional staff time and onsite service infrastructure; it also leaves the primary school's qualifying status in place, which means the board must revisit participation again annually. The board did not adopt a program in this meeting and directed no further implementation steps in public record.

The board moved on to other routine agenda items after the vote.