Fourth‑grader urges more food choices, green space and playground equipment at elementary recess

Peter Liber, a fourth‑grade student at Pacific North Elementary, addressed the board during public comment to ask for changes to lunch portions and recess facilities.

"When kids are still hungry after lunch, it makes it harder for them to focus during afternoon classes," Peter said. He told the board that some foods — he named garbanzo beans and occasionally apples and cucumbers — go uneaten; he asked the district to review portion sizes and menu choices to reduce waste and better meet student needs. He also said the elementary playground lacks grassy areas since students were restricted from using "the hill," and proposed more playground balls and sidewalk chalk so more children can be active and engaged during recess.

Chair and staff followed with brief clarifying questions about where the "hill" is and which foods are not being eaten; the superintendent offered to share information about nutrition program guidelines and follow up with the student and school staff. The board did not take immediate action during the meeting but asked staff to provide additional information to follow up on the student's requests.