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Board hears administration justification for keeping caffeinated beverages in school vending machines
Summary
Superintendent Francois and Food Service Director Ashley Rupp told the board they do not recommend banning caffeinated beverages from vending machines, citing student access outside school, comparable caffeine levels, and revenue concerns tied to student-run programs; the board deferred policy changes to administration.
The board heard administration arguments against a board-level ban on caffeinated energy drinks in school vending machines.
Superintendent Dr. Francois said administration does not recommend removing caffeinated beverage options, noting students already have ready access to those beverages in local stores and that the caffeine levels of products sold are comparable to coffee or other sodas. Ashley Rupp, the District Food Service Director, reported that caffeinated beverages are "among their strongest revenue sources," and cautioned that a ban would harm the morning coffee shop operated by students with disabilities.
Kelly Datka raised the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) position against performance-enhancing substances and asked whether energy drinks are sold at athletic events or by the Booster Club; Francois said "energy drinks are not sold by the Booster Club, although other caffeinated beverages are regularly offered." The board discussed and ultimately left beverage decisions to administrative management under current board policy, with Datka saying she would concede to continuing current practice while reiterating the superintendent's operational responsibility.
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