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Lodi Unified officials present plan to invest meal-fund surplus, add staff to sustain universal meals
Summary
District nutrition leaders proposed using Fund 13 surplus to create new positions, extend calendars and prevent returning funds to the state after implementation of California's AB 130. Presenters cited a $7.8 million compliance gap and estimated a $2.8 million annual structural impact.
Lodi — District nutrition leaders on Tuesday outlined a proposal to use excess money in the district’s nutrition fund to staff and expand meal programs created under California’s AB 130, which made universal school meals permanent.
Doctor Betty Crocker, introduced by Miss Holbert, told the board the plan is intended to ‘‘prevent return of any of the funding’’ and to build career pathways for nutrition staff. ‘‘Currently, we’re out of compliance by $7,800,000,’’ Crocker said, describing the district’s Fund 13 position and the urgency to invest those funds locally rather than returning them to state coffers.
The proposal calls for new positions and calendar changes: six new supervisor roles and 25 new CSEA-classified positions (31 total new positions), with additional proposals to extend 12-month calendars for supervisors and other staff. Crocker said extensions would support expanded programming tied to universal meals, summer feeding and after-school coverage, and that internal staff would have first opportunity for the openings.
On the district’s books, Crocker presented a financial example she said would produce about a $2,800,000 annual structural difference in the general calculation. She tied the need to AB 130 and California Department of Education compliance, saying failure to invest could force the district to return excess meal funds.
Board members praised the presentation. ‘‘It’s a monumental job that you have,’’ Mr. Moore said, thanking staff for keeping meals flowing and visiting sites. Trustees signaled they want the proposal returned as a formal action item: the board asked staff to bring the proposal back next year for board consideration and possible approval.
If adopted as an action item the district would need to finalize the precise staffing list, calendar changes and costs and negotiate impacts with affected employee groups. The board and presenters said internal staff would be offered positions first and that program details and job descriptions would be part of subsequent implementation and bargaining discussions.
Next steps: the board directed staff to return the nutrition proposal as an action item in a future meeting cycle for formal consideration.
