Food Service Co-Director

THE WAYLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS SEEK A *WAYLAND SCHOOL COMMUNITY PROGRAMS DIRECTOR

WPS is a high-achieving west-suburban district of 2,800 students, with one preschool, three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Our diverse student body hails from Wayland and Boston and is composed of 32% students of color and 68% white students, with 15% of our students having a first language other than English. We seek educators who embrace the diversity of our students and can lead our staff and students in attaining our district’s mission:

“Personal and civic responsibility, love of learning, and empathy for others; these are the qualities that the Wayland Public Schools seek to instill in its students. At its core, our mission is to provide a rigorous and stimulating academic environment that promotes the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Yet we deem it equally important to nurture self-confident, collaborative, and conscientious individuals. We strive to create a climate where risk-taking is safeguarded, open expression is encouraged, and free association is protected. Our goal is to advance our students' growth into principled, informed, and capable citizens who will help guide a democracy that follows humanitarian principles in the global forum, and shape a just society where individuals may reach their full potential.”

We welcome educators to our district who seek and thrive in a diverse environment that focuses on relationships, belonging, and excellence. Join us in our mission to support the diversity of our school community; implement equitable practices for all of our students, staff, and families; create meaningful connections that foster a sense of belonging; and provide an outstanding educational experience for students, staff, and families.

The Food Service Co-Director is responsible for planning, administering, and supervising the school nutrition program in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. The director will ensure that all meals meet nutritional, financial, and operational standards, while promoting healthy eating habits and supporting student well-being.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Management & Compliance

• Develop and oversee the district-wide school nutrition program, ensuring compliance with the USDA National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), and other federal/state regulations.
• Monitor food safety and sanitation procedures, ensuring compliance with local health codes and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) regulations.
• Develop and implement district-wide nutrition policies in alignment with DESE guidelines and the Massachusetts School Nutrition Standards for Competitive Foods and Beverages.

Menu Planning & Nutrition Services

• Develop nutritious, well-balanced menus that meet USDA meal pattern requirements and address student preferences.
• Ensure the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, leveraging Massachusetts Farm-to-School and Northeast Farm-to-School Grant opportunities.
• Oversee the implementation of allergen-free and special dietary needs accommodations for students.
• Promote nutrition education and collaboration with teachers, parents, and the community to support student wellness.

Operations & Staff Management

• Supervise and train food service staff across multiple school buildings.
• Develop staff schedules and ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Implement and monitor food safety and sanitation practices in all school cafeterias.
• Evaluate and recommend kitchen equipment upgrades and capital improvements to enhance food preparation, storage, and serving efficiency.

Catering

• Develops and implements a catering plan for district programs and events.

The Children’s Way Preschool Program

• Oversees the menu planning, preparation and delivery of breakfast and lunch to the Children’s Way Preschool each day.

Internship Program

• Works with the Special Education Department Director to coordinate a student internship program in the High School Kitchen.

Wayland High School Cook Class Elective

• Works with K-12 Wellness Director in offering a Healthy Cooking elective for High School students.

Summer Camp

• Menu planning and overseeing of summer camps as needed.

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Outreach

• Act as the primary liaison between the district and local, state, and federal agencies regarding food service operations.
• Collaborate with local farms and vendors to expand farm-to-school initiatives and improve access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Partner with school administrators and wellness committees to promote healthy eating habits and nutrition education.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience

• Required:
• • Bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition, Food Service Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in school nutrition, food service management, or a related role.
  • Knowledge of USDA child nutrition programs, including NSLP, SBP, and Smart Snacks requirements.
  • Experience managing budgets, procurement, and food service operations.
  • Massachusetts School Nutrition Association (MSNA) certification or equivalent credential.
  • ServSafe Certification
  • Allergen Awareness Certification
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Preferred Master’s Degree School Nutrition
  • Preferred Registered Dietician

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership & team management: Ability to supervise and support food service staff across multiple sites.
• Budgeting & financial management: Experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets, procurement, and cost control.
• Regulatory compliance expertise: Deep knowledge of NSLP, SBP, USDA regulations, HACCP standards, and Chapter 30B procurement laws.
• Nutrition planning & wellness promotion: Commitment to offering nutritionally balanced meals that meet state and federal guidelines.
• Effective communication: Ability to collaborate with school leadership, parents, and community partners to enhance student nutrition and access to meal programs.
  Operational efficiency:
• Experience improving processes, managing inventory, and streamlining food service operations for cost savings and quality.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: Commensurate with experience and district salary schedule
• Benefits: Health, dental, and retirement benefits per district policy
• Professional development opportunities provided through MASBO and the Massachusetts School Nutrition Association (MSNA)

• 
  Citizenship, residency, or work visa required
• Successful completion of Criminal Records Check (C.O.R.I.), Sexual Offender Record Check (S.O.R.I.), and fingerprints.

The Superintendent reserves the right to re-advertise any and all positions.
All “anticipated” positions are subject to cancellation or change.

*******************

The Wayland Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer which actively seeks to increase the diversity of its work force and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, physical and intellectual differences, immigration status, homeless status, or any other class protected by law. in admission to, access to, employment in, or treatment in its programs and activities. The Wayland Public Schools System is committed to maintaining a harassment-free school environment.

Date Updated: 4/30/24