During their March meeting, the Big Lake School Board heard an update on food services. 

With the free meals programs that have been implemented since COVID, there have been more students taking school lunches and breakfasts. The government will pay for these meals, though they have needed to delay some payments due to more students participating in meals that budgeted.

A new program has been implemented for younger students to discover new foods and cuisines. Some recent themes included American Road Trip (featuring Mexican street corn) and Smart Snacking (featuring red pepper hummus). Chartwell, the foodservice provider, is planning to offer other authentic foods from around the world throughout the year to help kids try new things. Chartwell’s representative, Emily Ly, noted that some of these new foods are hits, while some are misses, but the kids are trying the foods. 

Student Report

Student Representative Grace John noted that spring sports teams are making good use of the new weight room which was recently completed.

Student council is planning for homecoming for next year, since it is scheduled for only two weeks after school starts and there will not be time for planning in the fall. 

Superintendent’s Report

Superintendent Tim Truebenbach noted that a trophy case will be redecorated to honor military service members who have graduated from Big Lake.

Truebenbach noted that he made a brief presentation to the state senate regarding tax exemption for the schools. If passed, it would mean the school gets a good chunk of money over the next several years.

Over 1,200 people came to the annual community fair and farmer’s market held at the high school. 

In Other News,the Board:

• Agreed to pay $30,000 to Wright Technical College as per their partnership;

• Passed a resolution to not renew certain teaching contracts, which is done annually;

• Heard committee reports.