News Briefs | FYI
February 26, 2024
Study: California school food programs understaffed
The first study of K–12 school food staff shortages in California has revealed the rate of unfilled positions in the state’s school food programs is three times higher than unfilled positions for U.S. public school teachers. High vacancy rates negatively impact schools’ ability to provide access to and serve students healthy, appetizing meals. The recent study was conducted by the California School Nutrition Association and Chef Ann Foundation in partnership with Food Insight Group.
In 2022, California became the first state to implement a universal meals program, which offers free breakfast and lunch to all K–12 students. Expanding access to school meals has required more school food staff to meet increased demand while maintaining or improving the quality of meals.
“California is leading the nation in school food reform — it has worthwhile and ambitious goals for supporting the lifelong health and success of kids,” said Josh Rogers, California School Nutrition Association’s co-chair for the Public Policy and Legislation Committee, in a news release. “The next step is to address the barriers to realizing the state’s commendable vision, which includes developing long-term solutions to school food staff shortages that were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and remain pervasive.”
Food service directors within California’s school food authorities submitted data to the study during the 2022-23 school year. The results revealed that school food authorities had a combined vacancy rate of 12 percent and turnover rate of 13 percent, considerably higher than the nationwide food accommodation and service industry, state and local education industry, and California statewide industry rates.
Food service directors who participated in the study noted a perceived gap between the knowledge and skill required for positions compared to the wages they offered, and difficulty competing with fast food or retail jobs. “The work we do is physically demanding and takes training and skill. It’s not the stereotype of the ‘lunch lady,’” one California food service director said.
The research also illustrated how high vacancy and turnover rates can negatively impact the quality of school meals.
Read the full report at content.acsa.org/gaps-in-californias-school-nutrition-services-staffing.
New toolkit helps educators plan for Prop. 28
The Prop. 28 Arts and Music in Schools (AMS) Planning Toolkit, developed in consultation with arts education field leaders, will help Local Education Agency administrators, school site staff, and their allies collaborate to effectively plan for Prop 28 AMS and strategize to build or further develop a comprehensive arts program in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts in every school and grade level.
The toolkit includes profiles of school districts’ efforts to develop arts programs, common questions and templates to aid Prop 28 AMS planning.
The toolkit was made possible by the generous support of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and developed by Create CA, WestEd, California County Superintendents Arts Initiative, California Latino School Board Association, Small School Districts Association and ACSA.
Roadmap to Teaching gives guidance to prospective educators
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s Roadmap Project was established by the 2022-23 State Budget Education Trailer Bill with the goal of helping to guide teacher credential candidates and explain pathways for individuals interested in a career in education. The project includes eight Education Career Counselors who provide direct support to individuals interested in becoming educators. Career Counselors act as credential experts, subject matter experts, and resource specialists for individuals seeking careers in PK-12 education.
These staff members’ prior extensive background and experience greatly increase their ability to provide guidance from multiple perspectives, as well as to provide accurate, relevant information for aspiring educators and educators looking to grow in their careers. Career Counselors are available via email at careerguidance@ctc.ca.gov and questions generally receive a response in one to two business days.
The Education Career Counselors have helped develop new resources and webpages that are now available on the Commission’s website via at www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching. These new webpages provide support for individuals interested in a career in education and complement the work of Education Career Counselors.
FYI
ACSA Early Education Council meets in March
ACSA members have the honor to serve on Committees and Councils based upon job-alike functions or sharing a common interest or goal. During 2023-24, several of ACSA’s Committees and Councils will offer Virtual Networking Events where administrators will be able to join others similar in their job position or interest to network and learn. These meetings are open to ACSA members as well as non-members. Upcoming meetings include Early Education Council, March 27, 10-11 a.m. Please visit www.acsa.org/committees-councils#tab4 for registration links and for the most up-to-date information as times/dates are subject to change.
Site Leadership Network to feature security and safety
The K-12 Site Administrators Leadership Network will hold its next meeting from 4-5 p.m. March 6 with a focus on “Security and Safety: Campus Climate and Restorative Student Relationships/Dealing with Social Media Challenges.” This networking series is sponsored by the ACSA Elementary, Middle Grades and Secondary Education Councils in collaboration the NAESP and NASSP. To register, visit onlinelearning.acsa.org.
School health conference coming in April
School-based health and wellness programs are key to building health and education equity for California’s children and youth. The California School-Based Health Alliance’s statewide School Health Conference in Santa Clara April 29-30 is an opportunity for health practitioners, educators, and advocates to connect and learn how to best support students with increased access to health care at school. See details and register: bit.ly/CSHAconference.