THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2008

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Parents Praise Lunch Program, Don't Want Fees Raised

By DWIGHT ESAU

Journal Reporter

A year ago, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 took over operation of its daily lunch program from a private contractor.

Today, most parents reportedly like what they see, but most of them aren't willing to spend more money to improve outdoor playground equipment and activities.

These are the highlights of a parent survey conducted recently by a review committee. A report was made to the board of education on Apr. 7. A total of 2,100 elementary-age children participate in the program.

A total of 460 parents responded to the survey, along with 116 teachers and 64 lunch staff members. Key findings include:

* About 79% of parents rated the program either an "absolute necessity" or "very important," and felt the program was a "good value" at the early payment discount rate of 78 cents per day.

* Only about one-third of the parents, however, said they would be willing to pay a higher fee to improve outdoor playground equipment and activities used during the lunch period. A slightly higher percentage, but not a majority, said they would pay for more supervisors and improved indoor recess activities.

* About two-thirds of respondents rated the lunchroom facilities, cleanliness, and playground activities high, but only about half of them gave the same rating to indoor recess options during inclement weather.

* About two-thirds of parents said the number of supervisors (one adult for every 30 students) is adequate.

A similar percentage said they thought supervisors provided effective and fair services to students.