JAY – School Committee members this week voted 3-1, with Nancy Chaney opposed, to raise school meal prices, some by as much as 75 cents.

The principal selection process also was initiated to replace elementary school Principal Beverly Gillespie, Superintendent Robert Wall said Wednesday.

Gillespie announced her resignation last year, effective July 1.

The position will be advertised and applications screened by Wall and then a team comprised of about 10 people – teachers, parents and an education technician – who then will interview at least three candidates. The group will provide feedback to Wall, the chairman of the School Committee, and an administrative team member.

Wall’s hope is to have a candidate to bring before the School Committee for its consideration in early April.

The meal increases will go into effect after school vacation on Monday, Feb. 26.

Reduced-pay lunch prices will remain the same at all three schools at 40 cents but reduced-pay breakfast prices will increase 10 cents to 40 cents at all schools.

Milk prices will also increase by 10 cents to 50 cents across the board.

The largest increase is 75 cents for adult lunches that will cost $3.75.

A January review of the food service program showed that it was losing money on each adult meal priced at $3.

Committee members made the decision to raise meal prices Tuesday night.

The new cost of regular-pay meals at the schools are:

High school

Breakfast – $1.50, (increased 25 cents)

Lunch – $2, (increased 25 cents)

Middle school

Breakfast – 75 cents, (increased 15 cents)

Lunch – $1.75, (increased 25 cents)

Elementary school

Breakfast – 60 cents, (increased 10 cents)

Lunch – $1.75, (increased 25 cents)

In other matters, Wall said that he expects to get the state revenue figures to factor into the proposed $9.9 million 2007-08 school budget during the week of Feb. 20.

A special meeting has been scheduled for the School Committee and Budget Committee to vote on warrant articles at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, in the middle school cafeteria.

An informational meeting for both school and municipal budgets, which was scheduled to happen Feb. 12, then Feb. 20, has now been rescheduled to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, in the middle school cafeteria. The public hearing on the warrant articles is scheduled for Monday, March 12, at the middle school. The time was unknown Wednesday.