Sippican School suffered a significant loss in its food service program for the 2011 fiscal year, according to a report given to the school committee Wednesday night. Katie Isernio, school business administrator for the Old Rochester Regional school district, said a shortfall of around $21,400 was recorded. The school also sold close to 4,600 fewer meals last year.

Isernio said numbers across the district—which comprises schools in Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester—are low, but Sippican School's loss was the greatest.

Isernio said the average revenue from meals is $3.20 but costs $4.03.

“Every meal is short 83 cents overall,” she added. “Food expenses have increased as well, with a new menu and fresh produce.”

Superintendent Douglas White Jr. said the district is interviewing for a new director of food services after former director Suzanne Souza took a position in Norton. He was confident in a decision being made soon.

“We’ve talked about offering breakfast, changing the presentation of the food or even offering samples,” Isernio said. “We can try revamping the menu and buying from other vendors as well.” She added that this issue was at the top of the district’s list as it interviewed for the open position.

Last spring the school joint committee approved raising the prices of elementary lunches from $2.25 to $2.50 and junior high and high school prices to $2.75

In other business:

Sippican School has been renovating portions of its facilities to efficiently conserve energy. District facilities manager Steve Murphy said boiler valves; a new water filtration system and airflow system will make significant savings over the course of the year.

Murphy added that a new electrical system reducing the use of 24-hour lighting is expected to save the school $5300 yearly with a nine-month payback.