CHARLES IYOHO

Due to high fuel expenses, transportation costs and salary increases, many East Texas school districts have opted to increase their meal prices, meaning higher breakfast and lunch expenses for students.

In Jefferson, fuel and food costs, since October, have increased by about 64 and 30 percent, respectively, according to a press release issued by Jefferson ISD Superintendent Dr. Sharon Ross, thus, forcing district officials to augment its lunch and breakfast prices this year — something the district hasn't done in nearly three years.

According to Ms. Ross, breakfast food prices at Jefferson ISD will be $1.25 for primary through eighth grade students, $1.75 for adults and guests and .30 cents for students qualifying for reduced-price meals. Lunch costs for individuals in those categories will be $2 for students, $3 for adults and guests and .40 cents for reduced meals, Ms. Ross said.

At the high school level, breakfast costs will be $1.25 for students, $1.75 for adults and guests and $.30 for reduced meals.

Lunch expenses for individuals on the high school campus will be $2.25 for students, $3 for adults and guests and .40 cents for reduced meals.

Hallsville Independent School District officials said Tuesday meal expenses at their district also are expected to rise, due to increases in fuel and maintenance costs and increases in employee salaries and benefits, said HISD Public Relations Director Carol Greer.

It's been three years since the district has seen an increase in meal costs, she said.

According to Ms. Greer, breakfast prices will be $1.15 for students, .30 cents for reduced meals, $1.25 for adults, .45 cents for extra milk and .40 cents for juice.

Lunch prices will be $2 for early childhood through fourth grade students, $2.25 for fifth through 12th grades, $3.10 for employees, $3.50 for visiting adults and $2.50 for visiting children.

Last year, breakfast costs were $1 for students, .30 cents for students qualifying for reduced-price meals and $1.25 for adults.

Lunch prices were $1.85 for early childhood through fourth grade students, $2 for fifth through sixth graders, $2.10 for seventh through 12th graders, $3.10 for employees, $3.35 for visiting adults and $2.30 for visiting children.

At the Harleton Independent School District, breakfast prices will rise to $1.25 on all campuses. Lunch prices, however, will vary by grade level, said Superintendent Craig Coleman.

Coleman said lunch costs will be $1.75 at the elementary level, $2 at the junior high and high schools and costs for milk and tea will be .50 cents.

At Waskom ISD, breakfast prices will be $1 for elementary students and $1.25 for adults.

Lunch will be $1.50 for elementary students, $1.75 for middle and high school students and $2.50 for adults.

Prices for milk and juice will be .40 cents and .25 cents, respectively, Waskom school officials said.

Officials from Marshall, Elysian Fields and Karnack school districts were not available for comment.