Please join us in congratulating RCS’ Food Services Director, Wendy Novotni, for being selected and honored as one of the Ohio School Board Association’s Exemplary School Employees. Wendy was nominated by Superintendent Dr. Reed and the RCS Board of Education. You can read her nomination letter below.
Thank you, Wendy, for all you do, and for being #REYNProud!
Wendy Novotni plays a pivotal role within the Reynoldsburg City Schools’ community and makes a significant contribution to the well-being and success of our students and families. Wendy ensures our students receive nutritious meals that support their physical and mental development and foster an environment conducive to learning and growth. An employee of Reynoldsburg City Schools for over 12 years, Wendy is the perfect candidate for the OSBA Exemplary School Employee Award.
Wendy is committed to the nutritional needs of our students. She prioritizes their needs designing menus that meet or exceed federal guidelines while accommodating diverse dietary preferences and restrictions.
She is an advocate for food access and equity. Wendy is a champion for our students, working to ensure they all have access to nutritious meals, regardless of economic status. Reynoldsburg City Schools provides free and reduced meals to almost 75% of our nearly 8,000 students. Wendy is in charge of backpack programs for weekends and holidays and partners with local community organizations to extend support beyond school hours.
Wendy is innovative in menu planning, food preparation and educating our students about the food they eat. She hosts “Chopped” cooking competitions, and has guest chefs show students simple recipes they can make at home with basic pantry staples. She incorporates student-grown produce into the salad bars at the high school and sources locally-grown ingredients when possible.
Wendy leads a team of 78 cooks, kitchen staff and admin K-12, fostering a positive work culture where staff is motivated to produce high-quality meals. She ensures the facilitation of operations and adherence to safety and sanitation standards, which is crucial to public health.
During the pandemic, Wendy played a critical role in ensuring food continuity for not only our students but anyone in the community who needed a meal. She and her team demonstrated adaptability by quickly establishing alternative distribution methods while adhering to safety protocols.
Research shows a direct connection between proper nutrition and academic performance. By providing nutritious meals, Wendy contributes to improved attendance, concentration and overall academic success for our students.
She is a role model, demonstrating the importance of healthy eating and food choices. Her work is often behind the scenes yet profound and far-reaching.
Wendy is more than just a meal planner, she is a cornerstone of Reynoldsburg City Schools, ensuring that every student has food in their bellies to fuel their potential. Her dedication, leadership and commitment to health and education make her very deserving of the OSBA Exemplary School Employee Award.