Pomptonian to add farm‑to‑table options; district clarifies arrears and a la carte policy

Jorge Cruz, the district’s business administrator, briefed the board July 22 on changes to the school meals program for 2025–26 under the district’s food service provider, Pomptonian.

Cruz said Pomptonian will introduce healthier menu options described as a farm‑to‑table buffet bar at the high school and middle school and that each meal will include a cup of fresh fruits and vegetables at no additional cost to students. The district’s nutrition committee will monitor the program and the district plans to survey families and students in October and November to gather feedback.

Board members raised questions about student accounts and purchase controls. Cruz explained the district allows accounts to go into arrears (below $0) up to a modest limit — a policy intended to prevent denying a student a meal when funds are unavailable — but when an account is in arrears students are restricted to full reimbursable meals and cannot purchase a la carte items or snacks. “The arrears, once their the account is arrears, they won't be able to do the a la carte items like the snacks,” Cruz said.

A board member asked whether parents can opt children out of a la carte purchasing; Cruz said current practice restricts a la carte purchases when an account balance is negative and that additional account controls may be explored. The business office said it will continue to work with the nutrition committee and report results from the fall survey back to the board.

Cruz also noted the business office is closing out the 2024–25 fiscal year in preparation for the annual audit scheduled for late September; the district expects to present finalized audit results to the board and public in November.