New Food Services Director Named for Region 4 Schools

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Levy and the Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Region 4 schools this week announced that Thomas Peterlik has been named the new director of food services.

Peterlik, who lives in Deep River, has been the general manager of food services at Yale University for the past 10 years. He has been a culinary director and executive chef as well, Levy said when making the announcement, adding that Peterlik has been an executive chef for many years worldwide, at venues from cruise ships to five star hotels to Yale University.

"Peterlik comes to us via his native country of Austria, where he began his education and career in culinary arts. He graduated from the Austrian school system with honors in culinary arts," Levy said. He holds degrees from the Culinary Institute of Austria, and Cornell University's Food and Beverage Management program.

Levy said, "Peterlik brings to our district an extensive background in culinary arts, management, budgeting, and a strong interest in working with the local farming community to provide healthy, nutritious, and exciting meals to the students in our district. He would like to work in concert with the Wellness Committee and Seeds for Growth subcommittee, as well as staff and students, to educate our students about sustainability and healthy choices. He is an excellent match for our schools and community. We are very impressed with the degree of expertise he brings to our district and look forward to working closely with him in his role as director of food services."