ELLINWOOD — The USD 355 Board of Education will slightly increase the cost to eat meals for the 2011-12 school year. All meal prices went up five cents.

The meal fees are: breakfast (K-6) $1.15, (7-12) $1.55, (adult) $1.55; lunch, (K-6) $1.90, (7-12) $2.15, (adult) $3.15, and extra milk (K-12) 40 cents;

Other fees are: book rental (K-6) $50, activity fee and books (7-12) $75; athletic fees (middle school) $20 per sport, (high school) $30 per sport except football —$40; driver’s education (in-district) $125, (out-of-district) $175; band instrument rental fee (5-12) $35, percussionist fee (7-12) $10; and Mystic Blues $30.

Superintendent Ben Jacobs gave an update on the budget. "After cuts, we’ve been able to weather the storm. Last year, we had to cut staff to bear the cuts. We are as thin as possible," he said.

This year, the district had $1,960, 488 of the budget remaining through May. This is an improvement from 2009-10 when the district had $1,783,223 remaining through the same time period. Although the district is trying to tread water now with the cuts from the legislature, any further reductions will be difficult.

"Any further cuts and we’ll again have to review staff and programs," said Jacobs.

In other business, the board:

•Approved a memorandum of understanding with St. Joseph School for music instruction.

•Presented Don Regher with a certificate from the University of Kansas for educators with 25 years of service; and recognized the following board members for their service: Mike McQuade, eight years; Kenny Sieker, 13 years; and Alan Schneweis, 20 years.

•Hired Steve Oekle and Shane Duncan as the assistant middle school football coaches.

•Hired Cody Clair as the summer technology assistant.

•Approved Carol Near as the National Honor Society sponsor.