Bridgeport News Stories

Students and staff at Bridgeport Middle School are enjoying a new and improved cafeteria space. Due to an excess of Child Nutrition fund balance funds, Bridgeport ISD was able to complete an upgrade to the BMS cafeteria seating, decor and serving line. 

Cafeteria upgrades include a custom serving line with a stainless steel continuous counter, lighted heat lamp, adjustable refrigerated merchandiser and slanted snack rack, and two cashier stations, and more features. Additionally, the cafeteria space received upgraded ADA compliant seating for 262 with standard height and bar height student seating and custom graphics with the BMS identity throughout the cafeteria. “I really like the individual chairs and more space and tables to choose from,” said BMS 7th grader Carlee Berardi. Another BMS student, Maribel Gonzalez, has also enjoyed the new tables. "I like the new tables! I like that we can get our snacks with our meals now because of the new lines,” said Gonzalez.

The excess funds were a result of federal guidelines that mandate that non-profit Child Nutrition programs cannot carry more than three months operating expenses on hand, and the funds that exceed that threshold must be reinvested in its local program. During the unanticipated school closure as a result of COVID, the Bridgeport ISD Child Nutrition Department served thousands of meals across several locations. The federal government reimbursed the Child Nutrition program at a higher rate over the next two years as a result of the increased costs associated with operating the program. 

Prior to 2020, The Child Nutrition program at Bridgeport ISD was able to self-support and not receive local funds for its expenses. Through the increased federal reimbursement as a result of COVID, and more student participation in meals, revenue received from the federal government exceeded department expenses, and the fund balance of the Child Nutrition account grew exponentially. In order to comply with federal regulations, Child Nutrition funds had to be spent, and Bridgeport ISD used this opportunity to assess needs across the district and purchase items that would be beneficial to students for years to come. 

The new paint and decor has been a big hit so far with both students and staff members. "It looks amazing! It's so much more inviting and professional but also functional for students.  I love the addition of different size tables to just change things up a little," said BMS staff member Jamey Carpenter. "I think the new decor, new paint, and the new serving lines are great,” said 7th grader  Kannon Terrell.