Maynard School Committee Raises Lunch Prices, Updates Handbooks Before School Opens

MAYNARD -- August 21, 2025, Maynard School Committee votes to raise lunch prices for the first time in three years ahead of the new school year. The committee unanimously approved increases designed to bring the district's weighted average paid meal price up to the federally required $4.15, from a current weighted average of $3.39, the first such adjustment since Superintendent Brian Corso warned the board three years ago that prices would eventually need to catch up. Because Maynard participates in the state's universal free meal program, the increases affect only students buying a second lunch or a la carte extras; the base meal remains free. The committee also unanimously approved handbook revisions at all three schools, including revised arrival and dismissal procedures at Green Meadow reflecting active construction constraints, new religious opt-out language for assigned reading, and restoration of a student-athlete protection clause stating no child would be penalized for declining a ride to an off-site practice. Director of Student Services Hillary told the committee that special education staffing at the high school remains unsettled after a candidate withdrew days before the meeting, with coverage assignments still being worked out.