New London Policy Committee adopts food-service and wellness policies, tables Policy 6148

The New London Board of Education Policy Committee on Nov. 18 approved several policies affecting food-service staff and student wellness while tabling Policy 6148 for a future meeting.

Nathan Caron, Committee Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and recorded members present: Elaine Maynard-Adams (Committee Member), Scott Garbini (Committee Member) and Betsy Perkins (Community Representative). Kristea A. Francolino, Manager of Executive Support Services, and district administrators were also present. No public comments were offered.

The committee considered approval of the Oct. 7, 2025 Policy Committee minutes. A motion by Scott Garbini, seconded by Nathan Caron, to approve the minutes failed on a 2-0-2 vote; Elaine Maynard-Adams and Betsy Perkins were recorded as abstaining.

The committee then approved its Consent Agenda, including adoption of Policy 3542.41, "Professional Standards for Food Service Personnel," in a 4-0 vote after a motion by Chair Nathan Caron and a second by Elaine Maynard-Adams.

Elaine Maynard-Adams moved to adopt Policy 3542.22, "Food Service Personnel – Code of Conduct." Kristea A. Francolino clarified that the policy is mandated. The transcript does not record a final vote result for the 3542.22 adoption within the meeting minutes provided. Separately, Chair Caron moved and Scott Garbini seconded a motion to table Policy 6148 to a future meeting; that tabling motion carried 4-0.

The committee voted 4-0 to recodify and approve Policy 6142.2, "Student Wellness," as Policy 6142.101, "Student Nutrition & Physical Activity," on a motion by Scott Garbini and seconded by Nathan Caron. Samantha Wilson, Child Nutrition Program Director, described the District Wellness Committee as a small working group that includes district staff and community partners. Wilson said the Child Nutrition Program partners with the organization FRESH during summers and school breaks.

Policy 6142.10, "Health Education Program," was approved on a motion by Elaine Maynard-Adams, seconded by Scott Garbini, and carried 4-0. Maynard-Adams asked whether lunches are provided to non-public schools; Ms. Wilson clarified that meals were once provided to St. Mary's but that there is currently no interschool agreement and that service has not been provided since that period.

Committee members used the final portion of the meeting to thank Chair Nathan Caron for his service and leadership. A motion by Scott Garbini, seconded by Elaine Maynard-Adams, to adjourn carried 4-0; the meeting ended at 6:26 p.m. The minutes were signed by Kristea A. Francolino, Manager of Executive Support Services.

Votes at a glance:
- Approval of Oct. 7, 2025 minutes: Motion by Scott Garbini, seconded by Nathan Caron — Result: failed, tally 2-0-2 (Elaine Maynard-Adams and Betsy Perkins abstained).
- Consent Agenda (including adoption of Policy 3542.41): Motion by Nathan Caron, seconded by Elaine Maynard-Adams — Result: carried 4-0.
- Motion to adopt Policy 3542.22 (Food Service Personnel – Code of Conduct): Motion by Elaine Maynard-Adams, seconded by Nathan Caron — Result: not specified in transcript.
- Motion to table Policy 6148 to a future meeting: Motion by Nathan Caron, seconded by Scott Garbini — Result: carried 4-0.
- Recodify Policy 6142.2 to Policy 6142.101 (Student Nutrition & Physical Activity): Motion by Scott Garbini, seconded by Nathan Caron — Result: carried 4-0.
- Approve Policy 6142.10 (Health Education Program): Motion by Elaine Maynard-Adams, seconded by Scott Garbini — Result: carried 4-0.