LINDEN &8212; With basic food costs on the rise, one sector feeling the effects are school systems and this week Linden City Schools addressed the potential problem.

The current prices for meals are $2 for adults, $1.50 for students and $3 for visitors. But for the 2008-2009 school year, those prices will increase by $.25.

Superintendent Scott Collier said the price difference reflects the increase in food costs, and that it will not affect students who qualify for the federal free lunch program.

Other changes in store for the system next year include an adjustment from their current four-period modified block schedule at the high school to a schedule that will include a combination three-period modified block with two regular periods.

Collier said the change was prompted by adding new activities to the school&8217;s roster and allowing those who participate in athletics to take those courses at the end of the day.

In other business, the board:

adopted the proposed Student Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy.

adopted the proposed Drug Free School/Drug Testing Policy.

approved the summer reading list for 2008.