Lunchroom General Preparation 26/27SY

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) is Ohio's third-largest public school system, serving over 35,000 students across its various educational institutions. CMSD is dedicated to ensuring a high-quality education for every child, regardless of their chosen provider. The district offers families the ability to select from a diverse array of educational options including STEM programs, arts-focused curricula, single-gender education, International Baccalaureate, Montessori, and early college programs. This broad spectrum of choices demonstrates CMSD's commitment to catering to varied educational needs and interests, facilitating personalized learning experiences for all its scholars.

CMSD empowers its schools with autonomy over human and financial resources, creating an environment where principals bear responsibility for establishing high-expectation, academic centers. These centers prioritize personalized instruction, professional support for educators, and the implementation of school-wide practices that yield measurable results. The district also places a significant emphasis on technology integration, providing every student with a free laptop or tablet and extending internet access to families who require it. This forward-thinking approach equips students with the necessary digital skills and tools to navigate and succeed in the 21st-century learning landscape.

The district's commitment extends beyond just access to technology; CMSD actively strives to challenge both scholars and educators with academically rigorous tasks that foster intellectual growth and provide ample opportunities to showcase their best work. This dedication aligns with the district’s broader goals to build a more equitable, just, and high-performing educational system.

One of the landmark initiatives adopted by CMSD is the Building Brighter Futures (BBF) plan, which was ratified by the Cleveland Board of Education in December 2025. BBF is a strategic and data-driven roadmap developed after extensive community input, thorough analysis, and careful planning. The initiative aims to bolster student enrollment by ensuring scholars attend newer school facilities that offer enhanced educational opportunities. Among its goals are the introduction of algebra in the eighth grade, expansion of sports and extracurricular activities, and increased availability of college credits and career-focused pathways in high school. The BBF initiative is a testament to CMSD’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence and to providing every student with the resources and environment they need to thrive.

Regarding the role, the General Preparation position within the Food Service Job Families presents an essential operational function in CMSD’s school nutrition services. Situated at the East Professional Center and reporting to the Area Supervisor, this non-exempt position pays $15.81 per hour and operates under the SEIU 1199 union. The General Preparation role involves assisting with various operational duties under the guidance of the Assistant Manager. Key responsibilities include helping to clean and maintain kitchen equipment and areas, preparing and serving food items, and managing the storage and movement of food and supplies in compliance with federal, state, and city health and safety regulations.

The position requires the individual to maintain food serving and storage areas in a safe, clean, and orderly manner at all times, support the setting up of serving lines, and deliver meals to students efficiently and friendly. Proficiency in computer applications like Microsoft Word and Outlook is also advantageous. Physical demands of the role include the ability to lift up to 35 pounds frequently, stand or walk for extended periods, and perform other physical activities such as climbing, balancing, kneeling, stooping, and bending. The General Preparation role is vital in ensuring that the cafeteria operates smoothly, safely, and meets all nutritional program standards, contributing significantly to the daily wellbeing and nutrition of CMSD’s student population.