State Updates and New Initiatives Phyllis M. Hodges | State Director | September 21, 2017

Objectives Provide Professional Standards update. Showcase what’s next. Provide hot topic updates.

Professional Standards Modified the new supervisor certification process Transparent Attainable Goal is to work with all districts for compliance Allow hours obtained in June to count for previous year or upcoming year Professional Standards module in TMAC fully functional

Compliance Administrative reviews for 2017-18 have been scheduled Reviews conducted early in the year have been started AR Academy to navigate the process Additional training to ensure compliance Findings and closeouts Procurement reviews for 2017-18 Not aligned to administrative reviews Will be spread out over five years instead of three Process improved in 2017-18 Whistleblowers As reported or needed

Communication Continue to streamline and improve weekly updates Important to know—primary notification method Training resources development Let us know what you need Phone system How can we improve this service?

Data Repository Streamline handling of waivers and agreements to provide better service to SFAs Establishing internal standard operating procedures Improved turnaround time Organized internal repository Accessible by all state agency Contingency procedures in place

TMAC Maintenance New SFA module Procurement review module Discussion board notification Streamline professional standards module Enhanced security features Continuing improvement of data analytics Exploring distribution of funds module Examining Direct Certification options

State Website Focus group to discuss navigation and suggest improvements Continual process of updating materials and resources as they change or are developed Survey of other state websites for ideas Open line of communication for suggestions

Data Mining Continually reviewing process to determine most efficient way to collect and synthesize data Sharing data with other partners such as “Share our Strength” Utilizing data to support program within the department Making data available to SFAs

Training Training calendar (coming up soon) TNT SAS schedule Pilots that are now scheduled Emphasis on sharing information from: best practices, mentor/mentee models, focus groups, and train the trainer concepts. Delivering as much training to district as possible

Learning Management Short term/long term goal Time needed to get it right Emphasis on quality and ease of use Needs assessments Think tank—focus group Development of materials Development of system to house materials Integration Delivery to district level

Site Visits and Technical Assistance Primary responsibility of External Branch with assistance from all state agency staff Routine, scheduled as well as upon request Needs assessment New SFAs Administrative review casualties Financially struggling SFAs New supervisors District administration requests Emphasis on improving our service to our customers

TeamUP Year two Looking at ways to expand the Skilled Helper concept Focus on food safety and menu planning Eight mentees Five mentors Six returning mentees and one returning mentor Looking at ways to expand the Skilled Helper concept Looking at other programs to utilize TeamUP concepts

TeamUP (Cont’d.)

Continuing Financial Focus Continued focus on Tier 1 and Tier 2 districts May include a team approach after the initial consultant review Continued training on financial tracking and financial management Tier district assistance New supervisors Requested assistance Mentor/mentee approach

Auxiliary Programs HUSSC: SL focus continues FFVP support for full fund utilization Resources developed Constant tracking Best Practice Awards Early communication Support for new initiatives at district level Afterschool Snack Program Requested joint training from USDA for the Tennessee departments of Education and Human Services Farm to School Apple Crunch—flyer distributed—October 27, 2017 Know your farmer statewide meetings

Auxiliary Programs (Cont’d.) Seamless Summer Option Debriefing meeting Kickoff meeting Mandatory training Additional best practice modeling and support Support from Healthy Meals Consortium Turnip the Beet Award Berry Special Seamless Summer Award Dietetic internship rotations Working with Vanderbilt in the Nashville area Site-based support for HUSSC: SL

Auxiliary Programs (Cont’d.) Culinary training Train the trainer model—open to all districts by application Basic culinary training Two afternoons Mosaic menu planning Support extended till June 2019 Workshop conducted September 13, 2017 Additional workshops can be scheduled if interest is present and space is provided

Equipment Grant New funding for 2017 $598,230 New application will be available soon Web meeting will be scheduled to walk through application process Emphasis on helping districts complete application correctly Funding to be spent by September 2019

Hot Topics

Phyllis Hodges State Director Phyllis.Hodges@tn.gov

Mission Statement Develop extraordinary school nutrition professionals and provide strategies to increase consumption of healthy school meals.

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