The state Board of Education has rejected a proposal to increase the price of public school meals.

The board voted 8-2 last night to oppose the recommendation.

Board Chairman Garrett Toguchi noted that this past January cost of lunch rose to $2.20 from $1.25 and breakfast increased to 95 cents from 35 cents .

Under the proposal, lunch would have cost $2.35 and breakfast would have cost $1.

The board says it rejected the proposed increases out of concern for working families hard hit by the recession and already facing higher fees for after-school programs, summer school and student transportation.

Toguchi is calling for repeal of Act 26. It mandates prices be set at no less than half the cost of preparing the meals.