Committee fast-tracks updated student wellness policy for board review

The Cheshire School District policy committee voted to forward a revised student wellness policy to the full board for a first reading, citing a state deadline that requires action by March 1.

Erica (Speaker 6), the district staff member presenting the policy, said the draft merges the district’s prior policy with state and federal guidance and the WellStat assessment and that many practices (free potable water at lunches; USDA training for nutrition staff) are already in place: “The Triennial Assessment as well as the wellness policy is on the website, and you’ll see the practice scores,” Speaker 6 said. The committee was asked to fast-track the item so the full board can take action at its next meeting.

Board members questioned details including how the wellness committee (a roughly eight-person group that meets three times a year) relates to the triennial WellStat assessment and whether physical-activity language should aim for a specific number of minutes daily. Staff clarified the wellness committee meets more frequently and the WellStat assessment is conducted every three years; the policy adds the assessment language to the formal policy but does not reduce the committee’s meeting frequency.

A motion to forward policy 6142.101 (student wellness) to the full board for a first reading was made, seconded and recorded as approved by unanimous voice vote by the committee.