Board endorses Healthy School Meals measures after state representative outlines ballot priorities

The Adams 12 Board of Education voted unanimously to adopt a resolution in support of ballot measures tied to Healthy School Meals funding. Representative Lorena Garcia addressed the board and asked for a formal district endorsement.

Rep. Garcia described two measures before voters: one to retain previously approved voter revenue (referred to in the meeting as 'LL') and another to increase funding specifically for healthy school meals (referred to as 'MM' in the meeting). She said the measures aim to preserve revenue already approved by taxpayers and to bolster grants that help districts upgrade kitchens, pay lunch staff, source fresher foods, and expand access.

Representative Garcia noted Adams 12 has benefited from the Healthy School Meals program and said districts participating in the program have seen increased meal participation; she said the district’s uptake of school food increased by roughly 30% following the program’s implementation. She also tied the measures to broader fiscal pressures facing the state and federal changes she said have reduced state funding capacity; she urged the board to take a public position in favor of LL and MM.

Board members recorded unanimous approval: Directors Assad Lucas, Battistelli, Goldstein, Marsh Holshin and Potter voted “Aye.” No fiscal appropriation was made at the meeting; the resolution is a public endorsement of the ballot measures.