Oxnard : District Raises Costs for Meals at Schools

Despite protests from students, the board of the Oxnard Union High School District has decided to raise the price of meals served at its six campuses.

To help cut operating costs, the board voted unanimously Wednesday night to raise the price of breakfast from 75 cents to $1 and the price of lunch from $1.75 to $2.25. The price increases, which would generate an estimated $73,000 in annual revenues, will take effect immediately.

Several students told the board that the increase would encourage more students to eat off campus at nearby fast-food restaurants, where they can get better food at competitive prices. They said some students already leave campus for lunch, even though it is not permitted.

Eric Arteaga, 16, of Oxnard High School said the board’s action would result in a loss in revenue for the district because fewer students will buy food at school.

He suggested that the district should instead try to improve the quality of cafeteria food.

“People don’t really like the food,” he said.

“It’s a punch in the face to students,” said Channel Islands High student Guillermo Martin, 17.

Board member Steve Stocks said the board had little choice but to approve the rate hike to offset other operating expenses.

“This is purely a financial matter,” Stocks said. “It’s not something we want to do.”

The board also agreed Wednesday night to postpone cafeteria equipmentpurchases, eliminate some part-time food service positions and reduce the cost of utilities through more restrictive use policies. These actions are expected to save the district more than $136,000 a year.