Small Districts Doing Big Things - School Nutritionschoolnutrition.org/.../Small-Districts-Doing-Big-Things.pdf · 2017. 7. 20. · •These aren’t always obvious, but they are
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PractitionersAwarding winning track recording for increasing participationSupport districts around the nation Core Services: Professional Development & Capacity Building (district support visits/coaching) Our work: Centers on student needs & feedback
Identifies trends and patterns for district-wide supportTargets opportunities for increased participation FOCUS: cafeteria atmosphere, operations, menu and food qualityConducts student-centered focus groupsComprehensive report with a range of practical
strategies/suggestions for district-wide improvementDirectors appreciate a “Fresh Set of Eyes.”
Advantages of Being SmallFlexibilityYou are way more flexible and able to make the changes necessary to survive than a big district. Thinking on your feet and responding to events…Speedboat vs. the Titanic – while they are still wondering if they
can steer around that big block of ice, you’ve zoomed past all the obstacles.You can adapt your product, based on customer feedback, much
Advantages of Being SmallAccessibility:People (students, parents, the community) crave to be able to connect. You
can connect with your customers in a far more meaningful way than big districts ever can.Being small allows you to easily study who your target customers are and
gives you an enormous advantage. You are better equipped to understand what they want, and know when their tastes are changing so you can quickly tailor your offering to match. Because you’re closer to your customers, you can forge lasting
relationships that create genuine loyalty and keep students coming back.PERSONAL TOUCH
Hamilton County Demographics• Located in Rural North Florida• High Poverty Rate• 100% Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)• Two Schools (Consolidation of Three Elementary Schools) – Pk – 6– 7-12 (Combination High School)
• Declining Enrollment (Less than 1700 students)• District Wide Breakfast in the Classroom
Focus and Goal• Hamilton County Schools Focus– Building relationships with students, families, and
communities to improve student achievement
• Hamilton County Food Nutrition & Wellness Goal– Provide nutritious meals EVERYDAY • Building Strong Bodies and Minds • Leading to a Healthier Lifestyle
Membership• District-Owned Membership– 4th Year as District-Owned • All Food Nutrition Staff are local, state and national members– This includes department – administrative secretary; delivery personnel and
custodian.• Benefits – allows members to earn and retain certification– 98% of eligible staff are certified and maintain yearly– The remaining 2% will become certified in the Fall of 2017– Certified staff receives .64 cents per hour increase
State Awards• District-Owned Membership Benefits– 2017 FSNA Awards • President’s Award – Gold - Patrick Howell• President’s Award of Excellence - Patrick Howell
Cafeteria Makeover• Hamilton High School Cafeteria Makeover
– The High School Makeover a 2 Phase Project• Expanded over two Fiscal Years
– Students Referred to the Makeover as “A Restaurant”– Participation Increased– Students Excited to Come into the Cafeteria– Became an “Event Friendly” Facility– Hired Department Custodian
• Ida Daniels, FNS & Wellness Coordinator– Hamilton County Schools – Florida– 5683 US Highway 129 S, Suite 1– Jasper, FL 325052– [email protected]– (386)792-7805
RecapBeing a small district, you have really distinctive advantages over larger districts – ones you can use to ensure your operation grows and flourishes. Flexibility: You can react quickly to opportunities.Personal Service: You have a much closer relationship with
customers.Manageable: You can accomplish and attend to tasks with
Tenacity: One thing is crystal clear – you may or may not ultimately make it, but you’re certain to fail if you don’t try and try again.Don’t be afraid to fail: All our business giants had the ability to
see every setback as an opportunity. Every business fails at some point; what counts is how you react.Follow your instincts: Don’t let others sway your decisions.
You’re the only one who can decide what is or isn’t right for you, and you have the power to shape your future.