Cheri Smith, Title I Coordinator for Owensboro Public Schools, said Tuesday during the district’s that OPS is focusing on employee wellness.
Smith said the schools offer accessible and free physical activity and fitness programs to employees, and her team noticed a growth in those who are taking advantage of the services.
The most important area of focus for Smith was stress management amongst employees.
“It’s been a stressful couple of years for our employees. Letting them know what’s available and them utilizing the stress management information and counseling was really important,” Smith said.
She said personnel had especially been utilizing parenting resources more, but noted there was growth among several other areas.
During a nutrition report, Smith said that the USDA Smart Snacks and nutritional standards are meeting or exceeding the USDA standards. The only area that did not meet or exceed the USDA standards was the fundraising candy sold.
At Owensboro Innovation Academy Middle School, Smith noted that some of the meals through the Farm to School program have also benefited from the school garden after utilizing some of the products in the cafeteria for meals.
She looks to have more collaboration with the School Nutrition Services and the teachers and staff members.
Smith also said that there is growth in the amount of physical education classes, although right now there is not PE available for every year at the secondary level.
In other business during the Board of Education meeting, officers were reappointed to their current position: Melissa Decker as Board Chair; Michael Johnson as Vice Board Chair; Dr. Matthew Constant as Secretary; John Sandefur as Treasurer; and William Wilson as Board Attorney.
