October 30, 2020

Springfield Public Schools, St. Michael’s Academy reach agreement on  meals program

REGIONAL
Staff report 

(Catholic Communications file photo)

SPRINGFIELD – In a press release issued late morning Oct. 30, the city of Springfield announced that the Springfield Public Schools (SPS) and St. Michael’s Academy (SMA) have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the continuation of the meals program at the school. 

The school lunch program is not provided by a grant but each meal is reimbursed by the USDA. Due to the low participation in the meals program from St. Michael’s Academy, there was a deficit in the program that needed to be addressed to cover the reimbursements, which cover the costs of food and labor to provide those meals. 

The Springfield Public Schools announced that the district and St. Michael’s Academy have agreed upon an MOU that will resolve this matter where both parties are satisfied and, more importantly, at no cost. 

Per the MOU, SMA will make adjustments to increase participation for breakfast and lunch to at least 59%. SMA’s current participation was approximately at 50%. This small increase will satisfy the requirements of the program as stated by the USDA, while providing the school with the successful meals program at no cost. 

“I want to thank Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Dan Warwick, Chief Financial and Operations Officer Pat Roach, and Superintendent for the Catholic Diocese Dan Baillargeon and St. Michael’s Academy Principal Ann Dougal for working together to resolve this matter,” Mayor Domenic J. Sarno said in the press release. “This agreement, of continuing to offer our students a good quality breakfast and lunch, was always our intent but USDA guidelines had to be followed. Again, this is a great service for our SMA families and I am happy that the district and the diocese have resolved this issue. We look forward to continuing to support our St. Michael’s Academy and their families.”  

In the press release, Warwick stated, “The Springfield Public Schools is pleased that we have reached an agreement with St. Michael’s Academy and the Diocese on behalf of our students and their families. This meals program is utilized throughout our Springfield Public Schools and by numerous other school programs in the city and we are more than happy to offer this healthy breakfast and lunch to our students at SMA.” 

Baillargeon also expressed gratitude, saying, “I am grateful to SPS, Sodexo, and our local school principals for working together to develop a sustainable plan that meets the needs of our families.”