Asheville, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Asheville City Schools are confronted with serious challenges in their nutrition department following an NCDPI report. The investigation uncovered significant mismanagement with meal counting, leading to the potential repayment of funds. Calls for accountability have arisen, specifically targeting Superintendent Freeman amid concerns over the leadership and proper oversight of federally assisted school nutrition programs. Community stakeholders are demanding changes to ensure compliance and better nutrition access for students, particularly in low-income areas.
Asheville – Asheville City Schools is facing significant challenges concerning its nutrition department following a report from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). The findings have led to calls for leadership changes, particularly amid concerns regarding the management and oversight of federally assisted school nutrition programs.
In a recent email dated June 23, Superintendent Gene Freeman acknowledged the school’s mismanagement of meal counting and claiming processes, which the NCDPI characterized as serious violations of federal agreements. Due to discrepancies, particularly involving the Positive Opportunities to Develop Success (PODS) remote learning sites, the school district allegedly claimed over 1,200 more meals than acceptable between September and December 2020. This misrepresentation of meals has raised alarms about the improper usage of federal funds, possibly obligating the district to repay nearly $5,000 to the state.
The NCDPI’s investigation revealed that an administrator’s interference with the school nutrition director, Katie Treece, hampered the essential training and oversight required for compliance. As a result, there have been demands for the district to clearly define the superintendent’s role in managing school nutrition programs while also enabling the nutrition director to report any reported violations or irregularities without fear of reprisal.
Parents and community stakeholders have expressed outrage over the situation, particularly regarding the lack of disciplinary actions against prior administrations involved in the discrepancies. The response from the community has been one of heightened scrutiny over Superintendent Freeman’s leadership, with some calling for his resignation due to perceived negligence in managing the district’s nutrition program.
Moreover, the circumstances surrounding the report have intensified discussions about meal services and accessibility to proper nutrition in schools, especially during the ongoing complexities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has underscored the importance of ensuring that students, especially those from low-income households, receive adequate nutrition as part of their educational experience.
In March, just before the release of the NCDPI report, Katie Treece resigned amid these challenges and is now working in a different district. Allegations from community members have confirmed that Treece faced interference during her attempts to ensure compliance within the nutrition program, fuelling further calls for accountability within the school leadership.
To avoid similar issues in the future, Asheville City Schools must adhere to nutritional guideline compliance while ensuring that meal services are effectively managed and accurately reported. The school district’s ability to navigate these issues is critical not only for regulatory compliance but also for the overall welfare of students reliant on these programs.
The pressing nature of these violations emphasizes the ongoing struggle schools encounter in delivering sufficient nutrition, particularly within low-income areas during and following the pandemic. Local and state officials have continually underscored the necessity of having healthy meals available in schools to support student success and improve the overall well-being of children.
FAQ
What are the main findings of the NCDPI report regarding Asheville City Schools?
The NCDPI report revealed serious discrepancies in meal counting and claiming processes, identifying over 1,200 more meals claimed than allowed at PODS sites between September and December 2020.
What actions might Asheville City Schools need to take following the report?
The district is required to clarify the superintendent’s role in managing nutrition programs and ensure adequate training and support for the nutrition director to report any irregularities.
Why did Superintendent Freeman receive calls for his resignation?
Parents and community members have expressed outrage over the mismanagement and lack of accountability within the district’s nutrition program, calling for Freeman’s resignation due to his role in the alleged violations.
What are the broader implications of the report’s findings?
The situation highlights ongoing challenges schools face in providing adequate nutrition to students, particularly in low-income areas during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for proper oversight in school nutrition programs.
Key Features of the Report
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| NCDPI Findings | Discrepancies in meal counting, claiming over 1,200 meals more than allowed. |
| Leadership Accountability | Calls for Superintendent Freeman’s resignation and scrutiny over previous administrators. |
| Financial Repercussions | Potential repayment of nearly $5,000 to the state for misrepresented meals. |
| Resignation of Nutrition Director | Katie Treece resigned before report release amid claims of interference. |
| Food Accessibility | Discussion on adequate nutrition and meal services during the pandemic. |
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Additional Resources
- 828 News: Lunchbox Wins Delicious and Nutritious Back to School Meals
- Wikipedia: School Lunch
- Mountain X: ACS Administration Blocked Staff from Following State Rules on Meal Programs
- Google Search: School Nutrition Programs
- WLOS: $13M in Grants to Expand School Breakfast Access
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
