HCPS FL Logo Academic Support and Federal Programs
Information Item
DATE: Tuesday, September 20, 2016
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Recognition of Student Nutrition Services (SNS) Managers for Graduation from the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Certified Culinarian Program (Academic Support and Federal Programs Division)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SNS continually strives to provide children with the highest quality food and best nutritional value, therefore, it was a natural progression to establish a partnership with the ACF to credential SNS managers as Certified Culinarians.  We are proud to be part of this first time program in the country. 

Criteria for acceptance into the program included receiving a satisfactory rating on the SNS Meal Accountability Review and controlling operating expenses within SNS standards.  The "gold standard" for entrance was the applicant's desire to show a higher level of commitment to the profession of feeding children.  Once accepted in the program, SNS staff coordinated the manager's application with ACF.  Candidates must have an associate or bachelor degree in food management or complete three 30-hour online courses in nutrition, supervisory management, and food safety and sanitation. Variations of course requirements depended on the applicant's education.  After classwork, candidates were administered a written final exam to measure their culinary knowledge. Lastly, candidates performed a hands on practicum where proficiency and skill were observed and evaluated by an ACF proctor. Through the entire program of work, our SNS District Chef worked with the candidates as their mentor and coach.

A celebration honoring the 48 Certified Culinarian graduates included each being “coated” with a personalized chef jacket bearing their name, the SNS logo, and the ACF logo. 

These chefs are helping change the "face" of child nutrition by giving the profession a boost in esteem and respect.   The goal of SNS is to continue to grow the credentialing program, place a certified chef/nutrition manager at all schools, and encourage chefs to reach for higher levels of competencies within ACF. There are 24 managers slated to begin the next Certified Culinarian program in a few weeks. 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
• Recruit, support, and retain a highly effective and diverse workforce • Develop, recognize, and reward employees • Continuously improve processes and systems • Demonstrate "best practices" in all aspects of safety: student, employee, visitor, facility, transportation, and health
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  Yes)
ACF scholarships (approximately $715 each) for the 48 candidates were paid from Professional Development funds totaling approximately $34,320. SNS offers a yearly stipend of $500 to those who remain certified.
EVALUATION
N/A
SUBMITTED BY:  Mary Kate Harrison, General Manager, Student Nutrition Services
Tracye H. Brown, Assistant Superintendent   Van Ayres
Academic Support and Federal Programs
(813) 272-4879
  Deputy Superintendent
(813) 272-4895
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Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20160920_773 (Board Recognition Meeting) Item# 08