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Arcadia Unified appoints Jenny Lee as Director of Nutrition Services, effective July 1
Summary
The Arcadia Unified School District board voted to appoint Jenny Lee as director of nutrition services effective July 1, 2026, selecting her from a field of 28 applicants after interviews and a finalist reception. Lee said she s a resident and parent and is "excited to serve."
The Arcadia Unified School District Board of Education voted to appoint Jenny Lee as the district's director of nutrition services, effective July 1, 2026.
Board members selected Lee after a recruitment process that drew 28 applications and nine interviewees; the interview committee recommended four candidates to proceed to finalist interviews and a candidate reception. Mr. Essel introduced Lee to the board, noting her 12 years in school nutrition roles, a public-health degree from UCLA, a master's in public health from Loma Linda, registration as a dietitian, and experience overseeing kitchen construction and modernization in prior districts. Mrs. Yi moved to appoint Lee; Mr. Chung seconded the motion, which the board approved by voice vote.
Lee, who the board noted is an Arcadia resident and parent, spoke briefly after the vote and thanked board members and staff. "I'm really excited to serve in a community that my family calls home," she said, adding that she looks forward to building on the work of outgoing director Kathleen Ashworth. The board congratulated Ashworth on her retirement and welcomed Lee s the incoming leader for a department that also supports Universal Meals for All Students.
The appointment moves the nutrition department into a new phase of leadership ahead of planned kitchen modernization projects; the board did not set a separate implementation or transition timeline beyond the July 1 effective date. The district plans a group photo and formal welcome at an upcoming meeting.
