Berkeley SD 87 showcases expanded school meals and Sunnyside improvement goals

District nutrition staff presented an expanded menu strategy they described as "gourmet on a budget," using base products to create multiple menu items, hosting samplings and themed events to introduce students to new foods, and prioritizing reimbursable meals and fresh produce. Marcus Shelton, the district’s director of nutritional services (introduced at the meeting), explained the sampling approach and said reimbursable student meals that meet federal criteria generate specific government reimbursements that support offerings.

Shelton and staff described recent activities — a smoothie bar at new-teacher orientation, cold salmon tasting prepared three ways, personal-size pizzas and theme meals tied to holidays and heritage months — and said staff use controlled samplings and feedback collection to refine offerings. Shelton told the board that most student meals shown in the slideshow are reimbursable and that sample events are timed so students still receive their reimbursable meal before sampling.

Separately, Sunnyside school leadership presented school-improvement goals that include increasing reading proficiency (target: 50% proficient by May 2026 on IRLA) and incremental math gains. Presenters described a house system, attendance accountability teams that review students weekly, and teacher-capacity strategies to deliver universal Tier 1 curriculum and social-emotional learning supports.

Board members and staff praised the programs and staff noted the work aligns with district strategic goals on student connection and school safety. Staff said materials and sample reports were provided to board members for review and that follow-up steps include continuing to monitor student feedback, staffing, and program reimbursements.