Board approves plan to spend school lunch surplus on kitchen upgrades and unit ventilators

The Missisquoi Valley School District board reviewed a food-service surplus proposal and approved using funds for specific kitchen and cafeteria upgrades tied to the school lunch program.

Laura, the district facilities/food-service lead, explained that surplus revenue from federal and state school lunch programs must be used for program-related capital and operating needs and that the districtecame a Community Eligibility Provision school, which will shift much of next yearunding to the federal level. Staff proposed spending a portion of the surplus (roughly 60% of available balances in the plan) on equipment and repairs; among items highlighted was the possibility of using these funds to cover about $175,000 for unit ventilators in kitchen and eating areas.

Board members asked about funding sources and equitable distribution across schools; staff said the list was developed with facility directors and that some disparities reflected prior investments and remaining needs. The board voted to approve the surplus spending proposal and to proceed with prioritized purchases identified by the facilities committee.

The board will track the special-application steps with the state for capital items and ensure purchases comply with federal/state allowable uses for school meal program funds.