Perrysburg schools food service director retires

PERIESBURG — Lila Sozda is retiring after 30 years as Director of Child Nutrition Services at the Perrysburg School.

“What she did made an incredible difference,” said Superintendent Tom Hosler. , making sure they have a great, nutritious diet is something she did very well. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”

Just prior to last week’s school board meeting, the school district held a public reception honoring Sozda in Commodoreville.

Szozda says it’s been an amazing career, from dishwasher to directing.

“It hasn’t always been easy, but we always try to offer a few options, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables,” says Szozda. “Working at Perrysburg Schools and serving our students, parents, community and staff has been a wonderful life.”

The public joined board members, faculty, staff and administrators in congratulating and thanking her for her service to the district and students. The event was followed by an awards ceremony at the Board of Directors.

“She’s been a very stable role in our work. For the students here, when you think about the food service experience, it’s unique to Perrysburg that kids actually like to buy food in the cafeteria.” “Lilla is very committed to helping students not only provide quality meals, but to help students see food service as more than a place to eat.” , but the connections and relationships that she really nurtured and permeated throughout the department.”

He also praised her grit and work ethic, adding that Szozda is customer-oriented.

Before working in the district, he ran his parents’ restaurant.

She started working in the district as a dishwasher and held several positions in several different buildings before finally becoming Food Service Director in 2002.

“The ability to move through so many different positions … I appreciate all the little things that have to happen to make something successful the way our foodservice program was successful,” Hossler said. “I think it’s the little things that make the biggest difference for us. increase.”

Hosler also emphasized that it’s not just the food quality and delivery that the district values, but also her resilience, financial skills, and the responsibility Szozda has shown in handling the unique requirements of the job.

Calling the department “a bright star and something to be proud of for us,” he told a packed school board meeting that in Ohio, the public school feeding service uses its own revenues. and it should work by itself.

“In the 16 years I’ve been here, that’s exactly what our food service has done. We’ve always operated on a positive balance,” Hossler said.

He said times were not always easy, but Szozda’s perseverance, planning and leadership made it work.

There was also a power outage during cooking, which resulted in the district ordering pizza from Marcos. Then there was no water at all due to a toxic algal bloom in 2014 and many of his COVID related issues.

He likened it to running a business like the restaurant she used to run, with salaries, food and supplies paid for by her earnings.