MCPS Health Policies and Regulations Approved

MCPS adopted a wellness policy that meets USDA Food and Nutrition Service regulations and all Virginia statutory and regulatory requirements in 2006. In 2017, the state released regulatory guidance for schools to consider as part of their policy.

MCPS subsequently drafted rules but they were not adopted for several reasons, said Felicia Preston, MCPS director of student personnel and foster care/homeless liaison. At the June board meeting, the board recognized the department needed more specific guidance regarding student health and wellness programs and approved the wellness policy and rules.

“We have developed regulatory guidelines that align with our wellness policy as outlined,” Preston said.

“In that brief, there were a few things we had to consider,” said Sheila Williams, MCPS director of early childhood and school nutrition services.

This includes leadership, information on public engagement, school meals, foods sold outside of school meals, foods served and not sold, marketing, nutrition education, nutrition promotion, physical education and activities, other activities that promote student health, triennial reports and evaluations, public updates and information, fundraising, farm-to-school activities, alternative breakfast models, school health advisory committees, active transportation, healthy hydration, adequate meal times, physical activity, community partners in the classroom, and staff health and wellness.

“Those are just a few examples,” Williams added. “There’s a lot to consider and a lot to try to cover.”

The department’s health policies and regulations will be made available to the public through the reference pages of the student handbook, the MCPS website at martinsville.k12.va.us and each school.

“It was very thorough,” MCPS Chancellor Zev Talley said. “Thank you for doing a very thorough job.”

With respect to other matters, the Board of Directors will decide as follows:

• We have signed and accepted our application to participate in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) for the 2024-25 school year.
• Approved the application for a Title III, Part A Language Grant for English Language Learners and Immigrant Students, estimated at $15,935.28, to help cover the costs of student support, academic enrichment, effective instruction, and family support through supplemental programs and services for students identified as English Language Learners.
• Approved the Elementary Education Act Consolidation application at an estimated cost of $1,561,993.96.
• Approved the Virginia State School Boards Association (VSBA) Policy Services Contract for FY2025.
• He appointed MCPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Anjilee Downing, Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services Dr. Cynthia Tarpley and Executive Director of Administrative Services Travis Clemons to act in the president’s absence for the 2024-25 school year.
• Authorizes the Superintendent to appoint all teachers, principals, and vice principals appointed by the Board of Education to their respective positions within the schools.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between MCPS and Piedmont Governor’s Schools through June 30, 2027.
• Approved a resolution expressing MCPS’s intention to reimburse certain expenditures made or to be made on capital improvements from the proceeds of one or more grants awarded by the Commonwealth of Virginia.