Administrators in the high school and middle school have taken steps to stop an increase in cafeteria theft.

Just prior to spring break, school administrators learned of a spike in the number of items being stolen from the cafeteria. In a message sent to high school advisers on April 4, high school Dean of Students Ana Campos reported as much as $30 worth of food was being stolen from the cafeteria each day.

“The staff report that it seems that students are eating food when they are in line and then leaving the containers, they are doubling up on fries/tenders and then presenting one container at the register, students are stuffing candy and other items into their pockets,” the note read.

Middle school Dean of Students Ryan Allen said middle school faculty and administration are also working to address the issue.

“We have also asked the supervision folks who are down [in the cafeteria] to keep an eye on the lines and remind kids not to eat food before they pay for it,” Mr. Allen said.

“Some kids are hungry and aren’t patient enough to wait in line and pay,” Mr. Allen added. “I think we’re making better decisions. I think there are a few [students] who need a little nudge. I don’t want it to be painted as a majority of our kids are stealing from the cafeteria.”