SAXTON – The Tussey Mountain School Board is poised to renew its food service contract with The Nutrition Group of Irwin, Westmoreland County. Contract approval is expected next Monday night when the board meets for its monthly voting meeting.
A presentation on the 2023-24 food service contract highlighted the school board’s workshop agenda, which took place Monday night.
Regarding labor costs, it was noted that the SFA was currently in union negotiations and added that labor rates needed to be updated. All non-food spending was increased by 6.5 percent by the CPI.
The proposed hospitality budget is based on an enrollment of 900 students and an average daily attendance of 96 percent. It reflects a 10% increase, predicting a 10% increase in food costs, with paper and cleaning costs expected to be 8%.
Regarding labor costs, it noted that the provider is currently in union negotiations and added that labor rates would need to be updated. All non-food spending was increased by 6.5 percent by the consumer price index.
In developing the (district’s) dining budget, The Nutrition Group considered factors that impact annual revenue and costs. “We also used our proven forecasting tools to develop a budget that realistically addresses changes in government regulations and reimbursements, declining enrollments and increasing food and labor costs,” said Amanda Owens, representative of Nutrition Group. “In addition, supply chain issues have increased, as well as rising fuel and commodity costs.”
Based on baseline budget numbers, the proposed 2023-24 hospitality budget for Tussey projects a profit of $25,543.66.
Additional reimbursements (breakfast 15 cents and lunch 40 cents) have been included in the total reimbursements for 2023-24; however, if the reimbursements are not provided for the school year, a reduction in profit of $55,017.71
The Board also heard a report from District Superintendent Dr. Jerry Shoemake on the need for roof repairs at the high school where roof cracks are occurring. Shoemake said county officials have met with roofing experts who will produce cost estimates based on inspections of the roof.
The district manager also reported that he received an inquiry from officials at the Head Start program about the possibility of returning to a support structure located at the Saxton Elementary School.
Head Start (Bedford County) students now attend classes at the former Defiance Elementary Center, where Broad Top Township wardens are involved in a senior housing project in the community-owned structure.
A motion on the proposal will be on the voting agenda next week, Shoemake noted.
The Board is also asked to:
— Approval of eight applications for use of buildings, seven field trips and three applications for conferences/workshops.
— Confirm two van drivers for Snyder Busing.
— Authorize the administration to move unused sheds from the base building to the high school/middle school.
— Approve 10 updated district policies.
– Trade as Tussey’s share of Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08 for 2023-24 with a budget of $3,418.
— Accept two resignations and approve the hiring of a new district employee.
— Contribute $17,000 from the district general fund to the athletic fund to help cover spring athletic expenses.
