In a recent government meeting, discussions centered on improving student nutrition and addressing safety concerns following a recent gun incident at Ward Melville.

The meeting highlighted efforts to provide healthier food options for students, with administrators noting the popularity of delivery services like DoorDash and Uber Eats among students. To counter this trend, the school plans to introduce a new food program that offers meals under 600 calories and priced below $10, including vegan and vegetarian options. The initiative aims to cater to diverse dietary needs, as many students expressed preferences for gluten-free and dairy-free meals.

Despite previous attempts to implement a preordering system for meals, which saw minimal participation, officials acknowledged that students prefer immediate gratification over planning ahead. The new program, which includes a partnership with Farmers Fresh, will allow students to preorder meals that will be held in a refrigerator for later pickup, addressing the demand for convenience.

The meeting also featured a public comment period where Michael Corbusiero, a retired police chief and Navy veteran, raised urgent concerns about school safety. He criticized the lack of visible security measures following a gun incident, urging the board to consider implementing armed guards, similar to neighboring districts. Corbusiero emphasized the need for action, stating that inaction on safety issues could be seen as negligence.

As the meeting concluded, the board expressed gratitude for the leadership shown in the food initiative and acknowledged the importance of addressing both nutritional and safety concerns within the school community.