Beverly subcommittee approves updated district wellness policy

The Finance & Facilities subcommittee of Beverly Public Schools voted April 29 to approve an updated district wellness policy crafted by the wellness committee, the district nurse and the district registered dietitian.

Chair Kim Coilo moved the approval after staff presented the draft, saying the policy aligns the district with current state and federal program requirements. Emma Pugllesy, director of finance, and Christina Le, director of food services, joined the presentation explaining that the policy reflects guidance from state and federal school nutrition programs and the John Stalker Institute review.

Committee members asked how the district will make the triannual wellness progress report and meeting minutes publicly accessible; staff said the materials are posted on the Beverly Public Schools website under Food Service and that links in the presentation will be corrected before publication. Members also pressed staff to ensure the policy’s language about physical education and nutrition applies to students with disabilities and special health-care needs. "It is the law," one member said, noting compliance is nonoptional for continued participation in federal nutrition programs.

The policy includes social-emotional learning language and a provision describing collaboration with community health partners; one member suggested changing wording that might imply external groups are required to participate, and staff clarified that partnerships are voluntary collaborations.

The subcommittee voted to approve the policy and forward it as recommended for the whole committee’s consideration. The vote followed discussion but no substantive amendments at the subcommittee level. The policy will be posted online and the district will continue to publish required reports and minutes.