WACO Nutrition Director Launches Wellness Committee

JoKasta English aims to improve student and community health through new initiative.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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WACO Community School District's Nutrition Director JoKasta English has established a new Wellness Committee to promote healthier lifestyles for students and the broader community. The committee will focus on improving nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellbeing through various programs and outreach efforts.

Why it matters

With rising rates of childhood obesity and other health issues, the Wellness Committee aims to make a positive impact by empowering students and community members to adopt sustainable healthy habits. By engaging the local community, the initiative hopes to create a culture of wellness that extends beyond the school walls.

The details

The Wellness Committee will work on initiatives such as revamping school lunch menus to include more nutritious options, organizing fitness challenges and activities for students, and hosting educational workshops on topics like meal planning and stress management. English hopes to collaborate with parents, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure the committee's efforts are responsive to the community's needs.

  • The Wellness Committee was established in January 2026.

The players

JoKasta English

The Nutrition Director for the WACO Community School District, who has spearheaded the creation of the new Wellness Committee.

WACO Community School District

The public school district serving the Waco, Texas area, where the new Wellness Committee will be based.

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What they’re saying

“We want to empower our students and community to make healthier choices that will benefit them in the long run. This committee is about creating a culture of wellness that extends beyond the school walls.”

— JoKasta English, Nutrition Director, WACO Community School District (kciiradio.com)

What’s next

The Wellness Committee plans to hold its first public meeting in March 2026 to gather input from community members on priority health and wellness initiatives.

The takeaway

By taking a proactive, community-driven approach to student and public health, the WACO Wellness Committee aims to make sustainable improvements that positively impact the lives of students and residents alike.