Improving an Urban Alternative High School in the Southeast Through a School Crafted Meal Program

Improving an Urban Alternative High School in the Southeast Through a School Crafted Meal Program. Daryl W. Schuster, 2025: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: amotivation, detention, educational alternative services, multi-tiered system of supports, restorative discipline, universal design for learning This strategic research project was designed to provide insight into Clear Bay High School’s (a pseudonym) main problem following a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis. Chronic student absenteeism was the most significant factor inhibiting the institution’s ability to fulfill its mission and vision. Following an internal and external factor evaluation, four possible solutions were identified. They were subjected to quantitative strategic planning which yielded a universal meal program as the best possible solution. Many researchers showed that a nutritious breakfast and lunch provided students with healthy meals and contributed to increased socialization and enhanced relationships. A sense of well-being was likely to increase students’ decisions to arrive and stay on campus for the entire day. Increased cognitive focus and engagement were also likely outcomes. An action plan was designed to implement the solution that included a Clear Bay High School committee comprised of school leaders and teachers. A 1-year timeline beginning in January and ending in December was proposed. Five steps began with researching absenteeism and meal programs. The second step was designing and presenting a program to the school district team to generate funding. The third step was to hire a dietician and cafeteria staff to run the program. The fourth step was training of Clear Bay High School staff to understand how the two issues are related. The fifth step was to plan an assessment of the program for its effectiveness. Each step included desired outcomes. Reducing chronic student absenteeism using food and socialization as positive incentives will likely result in Clear Bay High School achieving a higher graduation rate and producing better educated citizens.