The Ohio Department of Education, Office for Child Nutrition completed the Administrative Review of the New Philadelphia Food Service Department for the 2018 school year. Director Cindy Jones has led the department for 15 years and has led her team to become a self-sufficient part of the New Philadelphia Schools.
The Food Service Department maintains a self-supported fund that is subsidized by State and Federal funds. It does not require the use of any of the District’s General Fund. In fiscal year 2018, the Ohio Department of Education, Office for Child Nutrition found the District’s Food Service to be in compliance and extremely efficient. The regulatory review requires school food service departments to maintain a balance of three months worth of operating expenses in their account. The New Philadelphia Food Service Department exceeded that account balance due to the efficient operations. Therefore, the Office of Child Nutrition required the New Philadelphia Food Service Department to spend $100,000.
Through research and collaboration, Director Jones determined the best use of the funds was to enhance the cafeteria at NPHS as the current tables were deteriorating. The cafeteria is used for student dining, study halls, and academics. The new seating would meet the spending requirements set forth by the Administrative Review, while also giving the students and staff at NPHS a better learning environment. All items purchased can be moved to a new building if the bond issue passes. This space will encourage collaboration, creative thinking, and problem-solving in a 21st Century Learning environment.
“Cindy Jones and our Food Service team deserve a great deal of praise for commitment to our students and to having one of the most efficient food service departments in public education,” stated Superintendent David Brand. “Their use of food service funds enhances both the student dining experience while also positively impacting the academics of NPHS.”
Principal Eric Jurkovic praised Jones for putting forth her best efforts for the kids and the cafeteria experience. “The new furniture has really brightened up the cafeteria and the kids coming back from winter break were pretty excited about the new look and a better space to collaborate on their school work.”
The New Philadelphia City School District continues to leverage all funding streams to minimize the reliance on the local taxpayer. Our Food Service Department’s recent recognition and use of these funds is one more example of that fact.