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Board approves 2026–27 student handbooks after debate over wellness policy and snacks
Summary
Board approved several student handbooks (vote 5-1) while some directors raised objections to wellness policy provisions that limit classroom snacks and require preapproved items; administration said nutrition rules reflect federal/state guidelines and liability concerns.
The Faribault Public Schools board voted July 20 to approve the 2026–27 student handbooks for multiple schools after a discussion that centered on wellness policy language limiting classroom snacks and the length and accessibility of handbooks.
"Parents can no longer bring in classroom snacks, only preapproved snacks," Director Linda Moore said while expressing concern that the policies limit celebrations and that parents might not be aware of survey practices listed in handbooks. Moore asked to see the surveys referenced for kindergarten students and said she would not support the motion because of what she described as excessive bureaucracy.
Superintendent Venty and other administrators explained the district’s nutrition and snack rules stem from a combination of food allergy protocols, federal and state nutrition guidelines tied to vendor-provided foods, and liability considerations if unapproved snacks cause illness. "Because we take money from the federal government and the state around food, anything that we serve our students has to fall within those guidelines," Venty said.
The board approved handbooks for Roosevelt Early Learning Center, Jefferson, Lincoln, Faribault Middle School, Faribault High School and Faribault Online Academy on a 5-1 voice vote; the Faribault Area Learning Center handbook passed separately, 6-0.
