Schools put nutrition on back burner

The Board of Education Monday night held off deciding whether to join a state nutrition program to give school parent groups more time to assess its effect on fundraising programs.

Harvey Polansky made the recommendation at his first meeting as the new superintendent of schools.

"I recommend that we don't participate this year," said Polansky. "There are too many variables in the school community in dealing with what's involved in fundraising."

"Not that I'm against healthy food," he added. "But it's best to come back to you in December once we know better how to deal with it."

At issue was deciding by Aug. 31 on whether to join the Connecticut Nutrition standards program and thus be able to receive a $60,000 grant.

Parent-Teacher Association officers have complained they would not be allowed to sell sugar-filled candy, cookies and cakes at school fundraisers if Milford joined the state program.

Polansky also urged the importance of not just withholding sugar-filled foods, but educating students on the drawbacks of consuming them.

"We've seen schools systems that went for healthy choice and the only place that did well was the local grocery store," he said.

Polansky also announced three new administrative appointments.

Kevin M. Ryan of West Hartford was named assistant superintendent of schools for curriculum. He replaces the spot left by Lawrence Schaefer when he stepped in as acting superintendent on Gregory Firn's resignation.

Ryan has been principal of Farmington High School since 2003.

Kimberly A. Planas, Hamden school psychology department chairman, was named special education administrator, replacing Susan Kelleher.

Steven Marchetti, Shelton High School social studies teacher, was named Harborside Middle School assistant principal. He replaces Kenneth Saranich who became principal.

The board approved placing a memorial stone honoring Cpl. Jordan Pierson, a 2003 Foran graduate who died fighting in Iraq last year, by the Foran flag pole.

source:www.connpost.com