| State education officials are in a quandary over deciding about the healthy benefits of a caffeine ban against the need for extra revenue at high schools.
Back in January the state Board of Education members agreed to ban the sale of caffeine at high schools, asking state lawmakers to back their efforts to combat childhood obesity.
The Legislature declined to back the policy.
Liza Cordeiro, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Education, said state Superintendent Steve Paine has challenged all county superintendents to not sell unhealthy beverages for one year. He wants to see if schools lose revenue.
"At least try it to see if students are going to buy the other, healthier [drinks] as well," Cordeiro said.
The caffeine ban came as part of a bigger nutrition policy that limits total calories, sodium, fat and sugar in school meals and vending machine products.
The policy would apply to foods available during the school day and does not affect after-school fundraisers.
"Revenue translates directly into increased delivery of curriculum to students. I like the idea of students at Capital High School not having to pay lab fees," an example made by a Kanawha County school official.
Calhoun schools have very limited access to sodas, machines open in late afternoon and for after-school events.
| 
