Berkeley County nutrition staff advocates for reinstatement of vital tech position for meal programs
April 30, 2025 | BERKELEY COUNTY SCHOOLS, School Districts, West Virginia
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The Berkeley County Board of Education held a special meeting on April 30, 2025, to discuss significant staffing changes within the Child Nutrition Department, particularly the proposed elimination of a key coordinator position held by Lewis Harden. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from staff members who emphasized the critical role Harden plays in maintaining the efficiency and functionality of the school nutrition program.
Charity Boyd, a secretary at Orchard View Intermediate School, expressed her shock at the potential loss of Harden, highlighting his expertise with the ExpressPoint software, which is essential for managing meal services for nearly 700 students. Boyd argued that Harden's extensive knowledge and quick problem-solving skills are irreplaceable, especially during peak meal times when technology failures can disrupt service.
Sarah Nance, a manager at Markford High School, presented a petition with 99 signatures in support of Harden, stressing the financial implications of losing his position. She noted that the Child Nutrition Department served over 236,000 lunches in March alone, generating significant reimbursement funds that could be jeopardized without Harden's oversight.
Jen Miller, a dietitian and coordinator, reinforced the importance of Harden's role, explaining that his responsibilities extend beyond technology to include managing inventory, coordinating food orders, and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Miller warned that the proposed cuts would overwhelm the remaining staff, potentially compromising the quality of service and the department's ability to meet increasing demands.
The testimonies underscored a broader concern about the impact of budget cuts on the school nutrition program, which serves over 3.6 million meals annually. Staff members urged the board to reconsider the decision, emphasizing that maintaining Harden's position is vital for the continued success and efficiency of the program.
As the meeting concluded, the board was left to weigh the testimonies against budgetary constraints, with the future of the Child Nutrition Department hanging in the balance. The discussions highlighted the critical intersection of education, technology, and nutrition in the school system, raising questions about how best to support these essential services moving forward.
Charity Boyd, a secretary at Orchard View Intermediate School, expressed her shock at the potential loss of Harden, highlighting his expertise with the ExpressPoint software, which is essential for managing meal services for nearly 700 students. Boyd argued that Harden's extensive knowledge and quick problem-solving skills are irreplaceable, especially during peak meal times when technology failures can disrupt service.
Sarah Nance, a manager at Markford High School, presented a petition with 99 signatures in support of Harden, stressing the financial implications of losing his position. She noted that the Child Nutrition Department served over 236,000 lunches in March alone, generating significant reimbursement funds that could be jeopardized without Harden's oversight.
Jen Miller, a dietitian and coordinator, reinforced the importance of Harden's role, explaining that his responsibilities extend beyond technology to include managing inventory, coordinating food orders, and ensuring compliance with federal guidelines. Miller warned that the proposed cuts would overwhelm the remaining staff, potentially compromising the quality of service and the department's ability to meet increasing demands.
The testimonies underscored a broader concern about the impact of budget cuts on the school nutrition program, which serves over 3.6 million meals annually. Staff members urged the board to reconsider the decision, emphasizing that maintaining Harden's position is vital for the continued success and efficiency of the program.
As the meeting concluded, the board was left to weigh the testimonies against budgetary constraints, with the future of the Child Nutrition Department hanging in the balance. The discussions highlighted the critical intersection of education, technology, and nutrition in the school system, raising questions about how best to support these essential services moving forward.
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