RICHLAND ONE FEATURED IN NATIONAL PUBLICATION

Richland One is one of only two districts across the country featured in a national publication recognizing outstanding school health and wellness programs.

In July of last year, representatives of the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) visited the district for the profile that is included in the Spring 2007 edition of the national organization’s Healthy Learning News publication. The Atlanta Public Schools system is the other featured school district.

With a recommendation from then-Superintendent Dr. Ronald Epps, the Richland One Board of School Commissioners passed a landmark Healthy and Nutritious School Environment Policy in May of 2001 which took unhealthy snacks and beverages out of school vending machines and improved the nutritional quality of food served in school cafeterias and canteens. The policy garnered local, state and national awards and has served as a model for other districts.

The AASA article on Richland One is entitled "Our Children’s Health Is Not for Sale" which was the district’s rallying cry in abandoning its consideration of an exclusive contract with a soft-drink company that could have generated millions of dollars in revenue. That decision led to the passage of the board policy. The article, which also highlights the district’s physical activity and wellness initiatives for students and staff, is posted at www.aasa.org.

AASA is a professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders throughout the United States.