With cautious eyes on rising food and fuel prices as they plan the budget, Lawrence school board members Monday night approved a 10 cent increase to most school meals.

But their sentiment was that it could have been worse.

“One of the things I’m pleased with is our meal prices have gone up so little given what’s going on in the world,” board member Scott Morgan said.

School districts nationally are dealing with higher food prices, and the Lawrence district is also trying to emphasize nutrition in its offerings, administrators said.

Paula Murrish, the division director of food services, said market trends have shown increases on items anywhere from 8 percent to as much as 16 percent.

The plan passed Monday night means elementary student lunches will cost $2.10, and junior high and high school lunches would increase to $2.35. Adult lunches have a 20 cent bump to $3. Breakfast prices will also go up by a dime.

Last year, the district increased its lunch prices by 10 cents for students and 15 cents for adults.

Murrish said the plan for next year also involves trying to save on food waste, including offering one hot entree and two cold entrees at elementary schools, instead of four total.

“We’re trying to find that balance of being frugal but yet making sure we meet the needs of our customers and the demand of our parents without pricing ourselves out of the business,” she said.

Board members also unanimously approved a $1.75 fee that will be charged on credit or debit card transactions to the district’s food services department made online through the Nutrikids software.

Nutrikids staff will retain the fee and manage the credit card payment process, taking the responsibility away from the district’s food services and business department.

Nutrikids will also give parents online access to their account, which will allow them to check what their children have eaten in the last 30 days.

During another discussion Monday, Morgan voiced frustration that no reductions to any enrollment or other school fees were recommended for next school year.

Most board members asked that they discuss the issue in coming months, likely with an eye toward the 2009-2010 school year. The board passed the fee schedule, 6-1, with Morgan opposed.

Monday’s school board session was the first official meeting of the 2008-2009 school year, and board members elected Craig Grant as president. Morgan is the new vice president.