Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wellness Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board reviews updated wellness policy; debate centers on scope and language
Summary
At a first reading of Policy 5-33, the district presented updates to meet statute, USDA guidance and an MSBA audit. Directors debated whether the policy should mention 'childhood obesity,' cultural-food accommodations, and whether foods-as-rewards language limits common classroom celebrations.
The board held a first reading of draft wellness policy 5-33, which administration said is needed to bring the district into compliance after the triennial assessment.
Brenda and Director Rezak (district wellness committee representative) summarized committee recommendations and said updates align with federal and state guidance as well as MSBA recommendations. Administration noted the draft moves some language between sections and clarifies triennial assessment findings.
Director Brian Thompson questioned the scope and language of the policy, asking whether the title and purpose overreach by addressing “childhood obesity” and cultural-food accommodations. Thompson suggested limiting the policy to nutrition and physical activity and questioned whether encouragement language (for parents to pack healthy lunches) was appropriate in policy text.
A district dietitian and wellness staff member responded that language on cultural-food accommodation is recommended for local wellness policies and ties into USDA program reviews; they also emphasized that the policy already includes a limitation: foods and beverages used as rewards are disallowed unless specified in a student’s IEP or behavior plan to preserve equity and accommodate students with restricted diets.
Board members discussed possible edits and the administration said the draft will return for a second reading at the next meeting to allow directors to propose specific revisions. No vote was taken tonight.
