Last day of school moved to June 23 after snow closures; school officials address lunch concerns

Van Campen appointments approved by City Council

By Neil Zolot

The last day of school will be Thursday, June 23, not Thursday, June 16, as originally planned, due to schools being closed during storms in January and February. “Every day you miss, you have to make up,” Superintendent William Hart said at the School Committee meeting on Monday, March 2. ”Let’s hope we have no more snow days.”

He reported on high student and teacher attendance at schools Wednesday, February 25, the first day of school after February vacation and two snow days: February 23 and 24.

He also reported that February vacation Acceleration Academies drew over 400 students in education and enrichment programs. “Students benefit from being there,” he said. “It’s a full week of enrichment, not playtime. We’ll do it again in April. We hope to see the same number in April.”

The balance of the meeting was a discussion of school cafeteria offerings and options, placed on the agenda by Ward 4 School Committee member Robin Babcock. “Older kids are saying it’s not enough and younger kids aren’t eating it all,” she said in regard to meals at neighborhood K-8 schools. “I also heard some parents aren’t thrilled with the quality of some things. Some things aren’t cooked enough and some things are overcooked.”

Another issue is portioning, a lack of variety, students not feeling satisfied they’ve eaten enough and items not being available for students who have late lunches. “I don’t want any child to leave school hungry, if there’s a way to support that,” Hart said. “I don’t know what the answer is, but we don’t want our kids hungry and want to give them options. What’s supposed to be hot should be hot and what’s supposed to be cold should be cold.”

Vendor Whitsons Culinary Group Regional Manager Joe Armenti testified that portioning is directed by the federal Department of Agriculture (USDA) for 4 ounces of protein for meals, but extra pieces of fruit a student might want are not regulated. Some meals are heavier than others with choices determined, in part, by meetings with student groups and data on what sells and doesn’t. “If we try something, we gather data,” he said. “The USDA requires us to keep data on what’s working and what isn’t.”

He added, “For late lunches, students should have a full range of choices. We’ll make sure.”

Whitsons General Manager Michale DiMascio told the School Committee if a student doesn’t like a meal, they can get another different one. “We’ll communicate that,” he said.

Armenti suggested heavier meals might be the best solution. “You’re trying to get those to kids that want to get filled up, but also give kids who want a wrap one,” he said. “You can’t give double portions, so heavier meals are what you’re looking at. That’s the way to do it.”

Ward 1 member Margaret Cornelio brought up the subject of scheduling, with some students eating in the late morning before standard lunch time. “Everywhere I’ve been it’s been an issue,” DiMascio confirmed.

“That’s on us,” Hart reacted, attributing the problem of some students eating lunch at 10:30 to a lack of space. ”It’s unconscionable,” he feels.

Student Representative Emma Perry enthusiastically reported, “Lunch is very efficient at the High School. There are options for everyone, and I don’t see anyone with an empty plate. The students are being fed.”

After the meeting, Armento said he was glad to hear her comments.

At their meeting on Thursday, February 26, convened after the meeting scheduled for Monday, February 23 had to be cancelled due to the storm, the City Council approved the appointments by Mayor Robert Van Campen of Ellen Collins as Director of Human Resources, David Ela to the Housing Authority Board, Bob Knox as Executive Director of Public Works, Jaclyn Munson as City Solicitor and Thawanna Pessoa to the Planning Board. “I’m grateful to the City Council they were approved,” Van Campen told The Advocate. “I told the people I’d bring in the most qualified people and that is still my intention. I’m happy to have them on board.”

Appointment of Monica Lamboy as Chief Development Officer and Omar Boukili as Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) were postponed until the Administrative Code is changed to add their new titles. That will be on the agenda for the next meeting for a Public Hearing and then continue to the March 23 meeting for final approval. The Administrative Code will be amended to establish a Department of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the position of Chief Development Officer and a Department of Administrative and Financial Services and the position of Chief Administrative and Financial Officer. “One will consolidate the Chief of Staff and CFO into one position,” Van Campen explained. “The other will bring land use departments and departments with regulatory oversight over land use into one department.”