As mentioned last week, we invited the four candidates who expressed interest in and/or support for our group and goals to share their thoughts on our 47-page report, For the Health of Our Children, An Analysis of the Wayzata Public Schools Culinary Program and Wellness Policy, and how they would support our goals if elected. Our first candidate is Bindu Moram. This is her response (comments in parentheses added by blog manager:
"Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity again to present my views to the large group.
I have 2 adorable sons, elder one going to WHS and younger one to CMS. We as family living in Plymouth since 15 years. My kids have been in the district since age of early learning. I have been actively involved in various volunteering activities in school district during these years and well involved in school decisions. I am also a concerned parent when it comes to healthy eating and leading healthy lifestyle. After going through the Healthy Food + Habits for Wayzata schools report, following are my comments/opinion on the proposed recommendations in the report. If elected I would like to bring improvements in the culinary division of the school in phased approach. I would like to address Recommendations 1,2,4 and 6 as they will yield measurable results with minimum effort and start analysis and planning for 3 and 5 immediately to implement successfully.
Recommendation # 2 (Consistent with the work of school districts in Minnesota and across the nation, move expeditiously to remove seven concerning ingredients (trans fats & hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, hormones & antibiotics, processed and artificial sweeteners, artificial colors and flavors, artificial preservatives, bleached flour) from foods available for purchase at all Wayzata Public Schools.)
We should immediately work with school administration culinary lead to improve the menu in our schools where the ingredients like trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, hormones & antibiotics, processed artificial sweeteners & artificial colors, preservatives are removed.
Recommendation # 1 (The district establish nutritional goals that exceed the minimum standards set by federal policy and then monitor compliance with the goals.)
Looking at the district wellness policy section (II. A Food and Beverages), the policy states that the district should meet/exceed federal standards for the nutritional goals. I would like to have audit reporting and monitoring in place to make sure our district complies to the federal standards and find ways to raise the bar and exceed above the federal standards.
Recommendation # 4 (Review and reconsider the role of the à la carte options. Consider elimination of à la carte options or replacement with foods consistent with nutritional standards.)
a la carte items should be replaced with choice of foods/drinks consistent with nutritional standards.
Recommendation # 5 (Establish metrics with meaningful and more than annual measurement of each element of the wellness policy. Report on findings openly across schools to foster cross-school learning and sharing of best practices.)
We should openly look into the findings across schools to foster cross-school learning and sharing best practices. Meaningful measures need to be established and these should be made transparent and shared with all the district stakeholders.
Recommendation # 6 (Hold Wellness Committee meetings monthly for the coming two years to accelerate implementation of best practices, rather than semi-annually. Consider establishing a working committee outside of the Wellness Committee in order to drive results forward. Designate at least one school official who will be operationally responsible for measuring implementation of the wellness policy as required and holding schools accountable to compliance of the policy per the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010 Section 204.9A(b)5(A).)
We can definitely start with the monthly wellness committee meeting to accelerate the progress and efficient implementation to reach to our desired/planned goals.
Recommendation # 3 (As part of a full review of food nutrition and meals provided to children, the district should reconsider the previous decision to not participate in Federal Programs at the high school level, and prepare a more accurate and sustainable budget and associated meal prices.)
There should be detailed analysis to be performed and build strategy to implement effectively and efficiently. Board and Administration should look into option 3 and understand what was the reason why district is not participating in the federal program and work through the avenues of how the federal program can be leveraged for the improvement of the district wellness.
I am currently working in United Health Group as Director for Clinical Data Services, in my experience I have worked with various business teams implementing changes/enhancement to provision the supplemental data to NCQA (National Committee of Quality Assurance) for effective patient care.
If elected my plan of action to implement the changes would be:
1. Define the scope of the change
2. Identify various stakeholders impacted by the change, perform scope review with the stakeholders to identify issues/risks
3. Build the confidence within the team and stakeholders with positive approach
4. Build an implementation roadmap in phases so that change can be excepted with minimal impact
5. Review and measure the change periodically
6. Finally...celebrate the change 
Thank you for reaching out to me to understand my point of view with the recommendations.
Looking forward to earn your vote on Nov 5th for Wayzata School Board. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Bindu Moram for Wayzata School Board"
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