Welcome to the Nebraska School Nutrition Association

Hello! My name is Tracy Watsabaugh, and I am running for Vice President of the Nebraska
School Nutrition Association. If you are reading this, we share the same goal of providing
nutritious meals to the students of Nebraska. I genuinely believe supporting students’
learning, growth, and achievements through school nutrition is an essential component of
the Nebraska educational system. The work we all do every day is vital to students,
families, communities, and our future.
School nutrition has been my career focus for 22 years. After graduating from University of
Nebraska Omaha, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nutritional Science and Dietetics, I
worked for a brief time as a W.I.C. Dietitian. I took a break from my career when we started
our family. When I was ready to return to work, I embarked on a new journey as the
Nutrition Specialist at Westside Community Schools. This is where my passion for school
nutrition blossomed. I had the opportunity to implement special diet menus, nutritional
analysis, and digital menus. After 12 years with Westside, I took on a new role as the
Director of Nutrition Services for Lewis Community Schools (LCC) and Iowa School for the
Deaf (ISD). Leading two distinct types of schools (RCCI and public school) came with its
challenges and rewards. A few of my accomplishments include providing scratch-cooking
menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at ISD and starting the LCC Summer Foodservice
Program with ten locations. Currently, I am the Director of Nutrition Services for
Bennington Public Schools. Since I started at Bennington six years ago, we have opened
two new schools, expanded our fresh vegetable offerings, meal accommodations, and
implemented digital menus including nutrient content and allergens.
Working in one of the fastest growing school districts in the state has given me the
opportunity to gain experience in strategic planning while focusing on student outcomes.
I hope to bring my skills, enthusiasm, and proven record to the NSNA Vice President role.
My priority will be to inspire school nutrition professionals across the state to provide
nutritious meals that keep students energized. So, join me in the mission to keep Nebraska
students “Nutrition-ized”!

Sincerely,
Tracy Watsabaugh, SNS