A higher than normal iron content and slightly elevated magnesium level has produced discoloration in the Edgecomb Eddy School’s drinking water, according to principal Lisa Clarke.

Clarke reported the problem during the Edgecomb School Committee’s Oct. 14 meeting.

The school is using Poland Spring Water bubblers to provide drinking water this fall.

“We’re looking into it, but it’s a little early to determine the cause,” Clarke said. “It’s safe to drink. It just doesn’t look so nice.”

In other action, the committee discussed the school’s participation in a community program to feed students and their families on weekends. The “Food for Thought” program began last spring with community-oriented groups organizing to identify and deliver bags of food to low-income families.

The meals consist of processed foods like roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, fruits, and salads, according to Superintendent of Schools Eileen King.

The program began disbursing food last summer. School officials meet with other organizations in identifying potential families that may qualify for the weekend meals.

“This is a highly confidential program,” said King who, along with Clarke, has attended the program’s organizational meetings. “It’s a wonderful program and there is no cost to the taxpayers. Our involvement is to get the word out in a confidential and respectful manner by identifying students’ families who may qualify.”

The school is also participating in another community program. The Bay View Masonic Lodge in Boothbay is sponsoring “Bikes for Books.”

The program provides students with an opportunity to win a new bicycle. A student receives a ticket for each book read. The Masons award new bikes to students during a drawing held in the spring. Clarke reported that 79 percent of the school’s 84 students are participating in the contest.

The committee also received some good news about last year’s heating costs. King reported the school’s heating oil use remained stable last year despite what appeared to be a colder than normal winter.

In 2013-14, the Edgecomb Eddy School used 62 gallons more than the previous year. The school has locked into a $3.60 per gallon price in June for this year, according to King. In 2012-13, the school used 8,021 gallons at a $24,625 cost. In 2013-14, the school used 8,083 gallons, which cost $25,453.

The committee unanimously appointed second grade teacher Dawn Garey as the Edgecomb Eddy School’s representative to the Alternative Organizational Structure 98 Support System Steering Committee. The committee also appointed special education teacher Tanya Thibault to mentor new guidance counselor Susan Conover for two years.

The committee will meet next at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17 in the Edgecomb Eddy School conference room.