Sally Spero, SNS
San Diego,California
Summary
Dynamic Child Nutrition Director with a proven track record of leading innovative nutrition programs. Expertise in program development and staff training, resulting in significant increases in meal participation and financial stability.
Overview
1
1
Certificate
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Child Nutrition Director
San Ysidro School District
San Ysidro, CA
08.2022 - 06.2026
- Oversaw operations for successful child nutrition program at seven schools
- Transitioned from traditional heat-and-serve program to scratch-made options improved meals from 0% breakfast and 40% lunch to 30% breakfast and 80% lunch
- Focused on the importance of training, work hours, and conditions for staff to the point where 29 of 31 employees qualified for full benefit package and over 80% exceeded USDA required training hours
- Revenues increased 37% and fund balance increased 78% ensuring financial stability
- Successful completion of NSLP/SBP program review, procurement review and two CACFP program reviews
- Received 3 USDA Turnip the Beet program awards for excellence in summer feeding program (2 Silver Level, 1 Gold Level) and 2 USDA Healthy Meal Awards (1 for reducing sugar in breakfast and 1 for increasing scratch cooking)
Food Service Director
Lakeside Union School District
Lakeside, CA
01.2012 - 10.2020
- Oversaw all aspects child nutrition program in suburban district with 9 school sites.
- Transitioned department from convenience foods to scratch-cooking which increased program participation over 40% while maintaining food cost controls
- Identified grant resources to supplement program activities; I have written over $7 million dollars of successful grants over the course of my career
- Supervised preparation of meals for students on special diets (diabetes, etc.)
- Implemented innovative programs to increase student meal access including Breakfast After the Bell, Second Chance Breakfast, school gardens, and food carts
Food Planning Supervisor
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
07.1997 - 12.2011
- Member of food service management team in program serving 130,000 meals daily at over 250 locations
- Oversaw contracts with yearly value of over 17 million dollars in total
- Directed marketing programs with nutritional education focus to students, parents, the school district, and the community in multiple languages. Includes monthly newsletters to families, department web site, and program outreach efforts.
- Implemented new student-focused food programs, including salad bars in 150 schools, student survey program, middle and high school Nutrition Breaks
- Supervised ethnically diverse staff and realigned departmental structure to reduce staff by 30% without
loss in services and efficiency
Education
Associate of Arts - Hospitality Management
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, COSkills
- Innovative practice in management of complex child nutrition programs
- Demonstrated ability to sound fiscal program management
- Broad knowledge base of all relevant regulations and best practices for successful school meal programs
Certification
- School Nutrition Specialist Credential
- ServSafe certification
- School Nutrition Director Certification from the School Nutrition Association
Timeline
Interim Child Nutrition Director
San Ysidro School District
08.2022 - 06.2026
Food Service Director
Lakeside Union School District
01.2012 - 10.2020
Food Planning Supervisor
San Diego Unified School District
07.1997 - 12.2011
Associate of Arts - Hospitality Management
Arapahoe Community College
2008 FAME Silver Spirit Award
Awarded to a member of a school food service department who has shown outstanding skills and leadership
2018 FAME Silver Leadership Award
Awarded for program excellence to a school nutrition director overseeing a department with an enrollment of less than 10,000 students
2008 FAME Silver Spirit Award
Awarded to a member of a school food service department who has shown outstanding skills and leadership