Although the Parkland School District Food Services Department still needs support from the general fund budget, less is required each year.

At a recent meeting, the board approved $200,000 for the food services fund in 2017-18.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented.

“They need it to break even,” Sniscak said. “They are doing better. Lunch counts are up and costs are down.”

He recalled a few years ago food services needed $400,000, then the amount decreased to $300,000.

“In a year or two, we hope not to have to support food services,” Sniscak said. “This is mainly for salaries and benefits.”

He commended Director of Food Services Lori Seier for the improvements.

“We now have a breakfast program in every school,” Sniscak said. “We try to make the food more appealing and we try to dress up the menu a bit.”

He noted everything must be done within governmental regulations for school lunches.

In another matter, the board approved $18,000 for a geophysical investigation by Barry Isett and Associates beneath the swimming pool at the high school.

Sniscak said the pool was drained during the summer for an improvement project and a leak was found.

“We had to have a study to make sure there was no comprising of the soils under the pool,” Sniscak explained.

On another subject, the superintendent told The Press it is too early to decide on a name for the new elementary school proposed for Upper Macungie.

“We have to get land development done first,” Sniscak said. “There are a lot of road issues.”

He stated it has not been determined whether the school will have a geographic name from its locality or the name of an individual.

“Probably after Christmas, we’ll address that,” Sniscak said.

The school will be situated on an 18-acre parcel of land donated by David and Jackie Jaindl along Twin Ponds Road between Schantz Road and Long Lane.

Board member Barry Long offered thoughts on the district and the building project.

“Parkland is blessed,” Long said. “We are growing and planning a new school.

“It’s exciting to have another chapter in Parkland School District’s history as we move forward with this school.”