Cartersville City Schools students will need an extra coin to buy lunch at school next year.

The school board in its Monday business session approved a 25 cent increase in the price of lunches for the 2012-2013 school year that begins in August.

Officials say the hike is due to new federal requirements related to the U.S. Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, which aims to improve nutrition while focusing on childhood obesity. Amended National School Lunch Program regulations require participating school systems: 

• Provide the same level of financial support for lunches served to students who are not eligible for free or reduced price lunches as is provided for lunches served to students eligible for free lunches, and

• Ensure much of the food sold in schools generates revenue at least equal to the cost of the foods.

By funding and setting policy for the National School Lunch Program and other child nutrition programs, U.S. Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 gives the USDA, "for the first time in more than 30 years, the opportunity to make
real reforms to the school lunch and breakfast programs by improving the
critical nutrition and hunger safety net for millions of children," according to the agency.

Board Supports Higher Property Tax Exemptions

Local school leaders also gave a favorable nod to a measure city officials hope will attract business and industry, initiate growth and create jobs. The board approved a resolution in support of increasing the Freeport tax exemption from 20 percent to 40 percent beginning in January.

While property taxes fund school operations, Cartersville has had the 20-percent ad valorem tax exemption on inventories since 2004. The tax break serves as an incentive to new and expanding industry.

The city is looking to continue increasing the exemption by 20 percent a year until it reaches 100 percent.