FY2026 SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET
● Community Recognition and Visits ● September Highlights: Strengthening Local Food Connections
In September, we proudly hosted representatives from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, the USDA, and guests from the Office of Management and Budget. ○ During their visit, we showcased: ● Our partnerships with local food hubs. ● How these connections enable us to support 15 local farmers and incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients into our school meals. ● This visit was an excellent opportunity to highlight the impact of federal and state initiatives on strengthening school nutrition and supporting local agriculture. ● October Highlights: Representative Jim McGovern and staff from the office of U.S. Representative Lori Trahan recently visited Acton-Boxborough Regional High School to spotlight our expanding Farm-to-School program. They were joined by: ○ State Senator Jamie Eldridge ○ State Representative Simon Cataldo ○ Deputy Commissioner Winton Pitcoff (Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources) ○ Rob Leshin (Director of Food and Nutrition, MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) ○ John Mangiaratti, Acton Town Manager ○ The group toured the cafeteria, enjoyed a locally sourced lunch, and discussed federal and state investments in school meals and local agriculture that make programs like ours successful.
● Acknowledging Our Amazing Staff Our team has worked tirelessly all year to ensure students enjoy healthy, delicious meals every day. Our staff serve lunch with a smile every day!
FY26 BUDGET PRIORITIES, INITIATIVES & BUDGETARY CONSIDERATIONS ● Due to free meals we have seen an increase in the meals we are serving our students. We will continue to monitor the schools for staffing.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES FROM FY25 TO FY26 ● We are in the process of applying for a Mass Fresh Corp Grant. This grant will help bring the Cafeteria, Classrooms and the Community together. Whether we receive the grant or not, our plan is to give an employee a stipend to help with training and implementation of more local, scratch cooked meals in our schools.
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