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Board approves participation in USDA national school food study; opt-out consent required
Summary
Citrus County School Board approved participation in the USDA-funded 2024–25 National School Food Study (Mathematica), which includes on-site student interviews at Rock Crusher Elementary and Citrus Springs Middle School; parents will receive consent forms and participation is described as optional.
The board voted 4-0 to approve district participation in the USDA-funded 2024–25 National School Food Study conducted by Mathematica, which will include interviews of a small sample of students at Rock Crusher Elementary and Citrus Springs Middle School.
Food-services director Mr. Pistoni and Educational Services staff told the board the study is part of federal review work tied to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 and that Mathematica will draw a roster and interview about 24–28 students from the two schools. Staff said participation requires parental consent and that opt-out forms will be provided; the district described participation as voluntary but noted USDA surveys are standard for programs that receive federal funds.
Board members asked about logistics: the interviews will be conducted onsite at school, principals will serve as liaisons, and students will not include pre-K or kindergarten. The study team will offer small payments to participants (reportedly $5 for elementary interviews and higher amounts for older students); district staff said those payments are paid by the study team, not the district.
Board members requested the district share results with the board when Mathematica and USDA publish them; Superintendent Dr. Hebert said results may not be available immediately because of federal timelines. The motion to approve the study was made by Mr. Dodd and seconded by Mr. Frank; it passed 4-0.
No disciplinary or personally identifying student data will be shared publicly under the district—s privacy processes and a memorandum of understanding covering privacy was in place, staff said.
