Meet Charles DeWayne Rawls Jr. | Splendora Independent School District, Director of Child Nutrition

We had the good fortune of connecting with Charles DeWayne Rawls Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charles DeWayne, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
My thought process in becoming the Director of Child Nutrition for Splendora ISD is driven by passion, experience, purpose, and a commitment to provide students with the very best. When students walk through our meal service lines, I want them to experience the same excitement and quality they would if they were dining at a food court in the mall — not the institutionalized, sterile experience too often depicted in movies and television. At its core, a school foodservice operation is no different from any other retail foodservice or restaurant chain. If we approach it with that mindset, we can operate a Child Nutrition Program that students genuinely enjoy. Our students are not just participants; they are our customers — and they deserve a level of customer service that reflects that reality. Unfortunately, I have too often seen students herded through cafeteria lines as if they were cattle — rushed through without kindness and the type of customer service they deserve. This is unacceptable. Our students are the very reason we have the privilege of doing what we do. Without them, there is no school foodservice program. We should be grateful every single day for the opportunity to serve them, listen to them, and improve based on their feedback. Children, like adults, have good days and bad days. They can be loud, frustrated, and emotional. But so, can adults and they are still human beings worthy of dignity and respect. The Child Nutrition Program must work hand in hand with the broader educational system to nurture the whole child.
In 1999, at 18 years old, I accepted what was meant to be a temporary job in school foodservice at Aldine ISD. My grandmother, who had spent nearly 30 years in school foodservice herself, encouraged me to come work in one of her school kitchens. I started from the bottom: lifting heavy boxes, helping wherever needed, and feeling exhausted beyond belief every single day. At first, I struggled. I had to give myself a pep talk each morning just to walk through the door. Over time, the exhaustion faded — and something incredible happened: I began to notice the students. Many of these children were facing real, heartbreaking poverty. For the first time in my life, I truly saw hunger in the eyes of a child. One morning, while visiting a neighboring school, I witnessed a five-year-old girl so hungry that she was eating napkins behind a water cooler. That moment changed my life forever. I knew then and there: this was my purpose. Feeding children wasn’t just a job — it was a mission. Motivated by that early experience, I enrolled in the management training program and became a cafeteria manager at the young age of 19. I loved it. Every day brought new challenges and new opportunities to serve my students better. Over the years, I moved from managing elementary cafeterias to overseeing middle and high school operations and literally worked my way through every position in school foodservice. Each new position reinforced a crucial lesson: School foodservice is about so much more than just serving meals. We are helping to shape the future of every student we serve. One day, the little boy dropping his tray in line might become the governor of Texas. One day, the little girl missing her front teeth that smiling up at you on the meal service line, might become the next mayor of Houston. We are more than just the meals we serve, we are part of this great nation’s future! We are feeding the future of this country! As I grew into leadership roles, I realized that running a successful Child Nutrition Program means putting both our students and our employees first. Students are our customers. We must create welcoming, friendly, professional environments where they feel valued and respected. Our employees are our front line. If we expect them to take care of our students, we must first take care of them — with proper training, support, and leadership. I believe that effective leaders listen carefully to their teams and they prepare their employees for future success. Two quotes have guided my leadership journey:

“Being a leader is not about you. It’s about the people that are on your team and how you can help them be successful.”
– Susan Vobejda

“Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.”
– Andy Stanley

Today, I serve as the Director of Child Nutrition for Splendora Independent School District. It is my privilege to lead a program committed to excellence, innovation, and above all, the students we serve. My story is not about hardship — it’s about opportunity, perseverance, and a deep, unwavering passion to make school foodservice something students look forward to. Every meal matters. Every child matters.

In Splendora ISD, a high economically disadvantaged district, federally funded Child Nutrition Programs are far more than just meal services — they are a critical foundation for the health, academic success, and dignity of our students, families, and community. This year, Splendora ISD implemented the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), a transformational program that allows every student to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost — no applications, no barriers, and no stigma attached. Historically, there has been a negative perception that school meals were “only for poor kids,” and many families hesitated to participate because of embarrassment or fear of being singled out. By eliminating the requirement for free and reduced-price meal applications, CEP has leveled the playing field. Every student, regardless of background, has equal access to healthy meals — removing the silent shame that can come from being identified as economically disadvantaged. The impact of this change on Splendora ISD has been immediate and profound:
• Meal participation has increased, ensuring more students are nourished and ready to learn.
• Families experience less financial strain, knowing their children will receive two nutritious meals a day at school.
• The school environment is more inclusive, as meal times are now moments of community, not division.
Child Nutrition Programs in districts like ours also have a ripple effect beyond our local community. Every healthy meal served supports public health, educational achievement, and economic stability at a national level. Well-nourished students are better able to concentrate, perform academically, and build the habits that lead to lifelong wellness and success. When we invest in feeding our children today, we are investing in the future leaders, workers, and innovators of tomorrow — not just in Splendora, but across Texas, the United States, and the world. In Splendora ISD, we proudly embrace the role of Child Nutrition in changing lives — one student, one meal, and one day at a time.

I believe the most important thing I have done as a parent — and as a Child Nutrition Director who is process- and results-driven — is modeling the value of hard work, independence, and purpose-driven leadership. My daughter has seen firsthand the dedication and care I put into my work to ensure all students, no matter their background, have access to healthy meals. She’s learned by example the importance of serving others, staying focused on goals, and persevering even when challenges arise. By balancing my independence with a deep commitment to making a difference, I hope I’ve shown her that true success is not just about personal achievement, but about creating positive impact in the lives of others.

The most important factor behind my success as a Child Nutrition Director and the success of the school foodservice programs I operate is my unwavering commitment to putting students first. By treating them as valued customers and ensuring they receive not just nutritious, but enjoyable meals, I create an environment where students feel welcomed and supported. This student-centered approach, paired with my focus on efficiency, quality, and continual improvement, has allowed me to lead with passion and drive, ensuring our programs are impactful and sustainable. My belief in the power of collaboration — with staff, parents, and the community — has also been a key element in creating a thriving, inclusive foodservice environment. I don’t expect perfection, but I do expect my team to always strive for excellence. It’s not always easy, it’s not always convenient, and it’s not always the quickest way, but it’s always the right thing to do. I maintain very high standards, and while this might not always be appreciated by my team, I do so because our students deserve nothing less than our very best. When you remember your “why” it’s not so hard to want to achieve service excellence. We have a long way to go before we get to where I want us to be as a department and as a successful child nutrition operation, but I am very proud of the progress we have made so far. I have a vision, I can see where we are going, and I am looking forward to the end result.

As a Child Nutrition Director, the decision to keep going or to give up often comes down to a few key factors: the impact on students, the mission of the program, and the support system in place. If the work still aligns with the ultimate goal of providing nutritious, accessible meals to all students, and if there’s a clear path forward to address challenges, it’s worth pushing through. However, it’s also important to recognize when resources are insufficient, when burnout is imminent, or when a shift in strategy is necessary. The key is to evaluate whether the obstacles are temporary and solvable or if they signal a need for change in approach or leadership. Ultimately, if the mission is still achievable and there’s hope for improvement, it’s worth continuing the effort; but if progress becomes stagnant and unsustainable, it may be time to reconsider direction. The day I no longer enjoy what I do, when the passion for my work fades, and I can no longer get excited about finding ways to take our program to the next level—that’s when I’ll know its time to hang up my hairnet!

There was a time when my entire identity seemed to be tied to whatever job title I held. When I served as Operations Manager for Houston ISD Nutrition Services, it seemed that my whole sense of self-worth revolved around that role. There have been roles where I worked seven days a week, often 14, 15, sometimes even 16 hours a day. I didn’t know how to shut it off and enjoy a personal life. Like many, I had to learn the hard way that a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term career success. You must make time to reset, recharge, and focus on things outside of the responsibilities you’re being paid to manage. Yes, we all need a paycheck and a livable wage, but if you can’t enjoy the fruits of your labor—if your paycheck only keeps the lights on and bills paid—burnout, resentment, and even hatred for your work can quickly set in. I often hear people say, “At work, we are a family!” I respectfully disagree. My colleagues are not my family, I keep it professional. Fortunately, I am blessed to truly enjoy the people I work with and absolutely love what I get to do for a living, which is something not everyone can say. However, I also know that if I want to continue giving the best version of myself to my team, my district, and most importantly, our students, I must have a life outside of my work. There is a generation that wears 20-hour workdays and nonstop hustle as a badge of honor—and I admit, I was once one of them. But experience has taught me that to sustainably lead and serve, I must prioritize my life beyond the title of Child Nutrition Director. I work to live; I do not live to work. My family, my personal life, and my well-being are far more important than burning myself out to the point where I no longer have passion for what I do. I wouldn’t be good for anyone if I did. I know that may sound controversial or even politically incorrect to some. But the truth is: if you want the best version of me—focused, energized, and passionate—I have to honor the life I have outside of my career just as much as the one I build within it. Effective time management is absolutely essential for achieving a healthy work-life balance. I live and die by my calendar. Every aspect and component of my day is scheduled and planned. And I always leave time for the “unexpected.” For example, each month I must file a federal reimbursement claim with the Texas Department of Agriculture. The day and time I file that claim are pre-scheduled on my calendar—and when that time arrives, that is exactly when the claim is filed, no exceptions. Every Monday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., I review and approve time and attendance for the previous week. Every Thursday from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., I review and approve grocery orders. Every Tuesday, I review and approve bills and expenses. Meetings with my secretary and direct reports are also scheduled in advance, with specific days and times dedicated to giving them my full attention. I manage my entire day this way. If we need to discuss a plan or map out a strategy for a particular project, it will be placed on the calendar and addressed during the designated time and at that time, nothing else matters but the discussion at hand. This disciplined approach to scheduling is critical for maintaining effective time management practices and achieving successful, healthy outcomes both personally and professionally.

What makes me truly happy is a combination of the simple and the refined. A perfectly clean and organized home and workspace brings me a deep sense of peace and satisfaction—there’s just something about order and cleanliness that makes everything else seem possible. I have a deep love for old-school Southern Gospel music; it’s comforting and soulful, and it connects me to a simpler, sweeter time. One of my greatest joys in life is gift-giving. I will spend hours agonizing over finding the perfect gift for someone, pouring so much time, thought, and energy into it that I’ll often overthink it to the point of driving myself crazy—but there is genuinely nothing I love more than giving something special to someone else. I also cherish the traditions of old-fashioned Southern hospitality, classic charm, and genuine class. Luxury, pomp and circumstance, traditions, and entertaining with style bring me to my mental happy place—whether it’s the simple pleasure of a perfect cup of coffee, a Diet Coke, or admiring the sophistication of old-school luxury cars like big bold Cadillacs or a beautifully appointed 1970s Lincoln Continental, complete with woodgrain, leather, and crushed velvet interiors. It all speaks to my love of timeless elegance and sophistication. Professionally, few things make me happier than employees who are self-sufficient, take initiative, and take pride in their work. All these little pieces come together to create the things that bring me happiness.

My passion for Child Nutrition Programs and excellence in School Foodservice is rooted, in large part, in the influence of my grandmother. I never imagined I would one day build a career in the world of school foodservice. It all began in 1999, when my grandmother brought me into one of her school kitchens. Starting as a Cafeteria Substitute, I moved on to become a full-time Child Nutrition Specialist, then a Cafeteria Manager at just 19 years old. From there, I became a Child Nutrition Area Supervisor, then Operations Manager for Houston ISD Nutrition Services — the largest school district in Texas and the seventh largest in the nation. I later served as a Supervising Menu Planner, and eventually as a Child Nutrition Director, leading my own programs. I also owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dani Sheffield, the former Executive Director of Child Nutrition for Aldine ISD, and the remarkable team at Aldine ISD Child Nutrition. Dani took a young, inexperienced boy under her wing and set the bar for excellence. She demanded the highest standards, refused mediocrity, and relentlessly pursued the best for the students of Aldine ISD. Her no-nonsense leadership and commitment to quality left a lasting impression on me. Dani embodied the principle of “if you know better, do better” better than anyone I’ve ever seen. It is because of her example that I lead with a no-nonsense style today, always pushing for excellence. The women and managers at Aldine ISD Child Nutrition, embraced me — it felt like I had 65 or 70 mothers and grandmothers teaching and cheering me on. They trained me exceptionally well, and their impact on my career cannot be overstated. There are so many who contributed to my growth that it would be impossible to name them all without leaving someone out. But without my grandmother, Dani Sheffield, and the amazing team at Aldine ISD, I am certain I would not be where I am today. Now, as Director of Child Nutrition for Splendora ISD, my success here, is due to the outstanding team I am fortunate to work with. Every award I’ve received, every successful state administrative review — none of it would be possible without the unwavering support from my colleagues. From our Superintendent and Chief Operations Officer, to our school principals, department directors, and leaders, and a team of employees that remain “coachable.” Districtwide, I am surrounded by people who believe in our mission. Their support for my ideas, my decisions, and my vision for Child Nutrition is what makes our department thrive. It is exciting to receive the recognitions from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture. It is so rewarding when the regulatory authorities recognize you for the work that you’re doing, but the real joy comes from working alongside such a dedicated, talented group of people that allow me to do what I love to do. I make every effort to lead with purpose, not just process. Every tray I serve fuels a mind, every decision I make builds trust, and every challenge I face, is a chance to rise. Feeding children is not just my job, it’s my calling and I am so incredibly lucky to work with a group of people that never stand in my way and allow me to lead with that purpose. Splendora ISD truly is the greatest school district in the world, and I am honored to serve the community of Splendora, TX with this incredible team.

There’s truly no place I love more than home. I’ve intentionally created a space that I genuinely enjoy living in. Living in a condo near the water in The Woodlands, TX, my favorite spot is my balcony — and if my best friends came to visit, there’s no doubt we would spend most of our time right there. I love to entertain and I love great conversation. I would absolutely cook an old-school Southern meal, topped off with a classic Southern banana pudding for dessert! The Woodlands is just a short drive north of Houston, giving me access to everything I could want for a fun night out or fine dining experience. We would definitely make our way to The Woodlands Waterway — and no doubt end up on a karaoke stage somewhere, making new friends and I guarantee you, everyone will know us by name before the night was over. We’d be dressed completely over the top, and most of the conversations we’d have with strangers would probably be about what I’m wearing — especially my shoes! It never fails! I love shoes and clothes. I have somewhere around 118–120 pairs of loud, bold, unique shoes that I absolutely love to wear. I always say, “It’s fun to have fun” and I have fun on-purpose!
Of course, no trip to the Houston area would be complete without Tex-Mex. Cyclone Anaya’s on The Woodlands Waterway is one of the best spots around. While Texas may be famous for barbecue, in my opinion, Houston does Tex-Mex better than anyone. And if we’re feeling like taking a little drive to the south side of Houston, we’d have to stop by Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken — hands down, the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career in child nutrition has been a journey of purpose, resilience, and growth. As the Director of Child Nutrition for Splendora ISD, I’m proud to serve a community where I can make a meaningful impact on students’ daily lives through access to healthy, nourishing meals. What sets me apart is my deep commitment not just to meeting federal nutrition standards, but to creating a program that truly supports the well-being and academic success of every child in our district.

I didn’t arrive at this position overnight. My path was shaped by years of hands-on experience, continuous learning, and a passion for service. I started in school nutrition with a genuine interest in how food programs could shape student outcomes. Over time, I took on increasing responsibilities, earned credentials, learned the complexities of compliance and operations, and stepped into leadership roles that challenged me to think strategically while staying grounded in day-to-day realities.

It hasn’t always been easy. Like many in school nutrition, I’ve faced budget constraints, staffing shortages, shifting regulations, and the ever-changing needs of our students. But I’ve learned to see challenges as opportunities for innovation. I built strong teams, listened to the needs of parents and staff, and leaned into creative problem-solving—whether that meant revamping menus, launching nutrition education initiatives, or streamlining operations to be more efficient and student-focused.

One of my proudest accomplishments is helping Splendora ISD move toward more inclusive meal planning that addresses food allergies, cultural preferences, and the importance of dignity in the lunchroom. Seeing students feel seen, respected, and cared for through the meals they receive is a constant reminder of why this work matters.

What I want the world to know about my story is this: child nutrition is about more than food—it’s about equity, opportunity, and care. My brand is rooted in compassion, accountability, and a belief that school nutrition leaders have the power to transform lives. I’m not just running a program; I’m building a culture where every student is nourished, body and mind. I have been fortunate to enjoy an extraordinary career marked by meaningful service and impactful experiences. In addition to my role as a Child Nutrition Director, I also serve as a motivational speaker, traveling across the United States to engage with diverse audiences, including school districts, churches, and correctional facilities. One of the most profound experiences of my journey has been serving as the keynote speaker—and vocalist—at prison graduation ceremonies for inmates earning their G.E.D. I am honored to have received national recognition from the USDA, including the Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals Award and the Innovation in Nutrition Education Award. Beyond my work within my own district, I have collaborated with other Child Nutrition Directors and departments to implement efficient business operations and introduce software solutions for point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and menu planning. These experiences have taken me across the country and opened doors to serve not only the child nutrition industry but also broader communities. I am deeply grateful for the path I’ve traveled—and I believe the best is yet to come.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s truly no place I love more than home. I’ve intentionally created a space that I genuinely enjoy living in. Living in a condo near the water in The Woodlands, TX, my favorite spot is my balcony — and if my best friends came to visit, there’s no doubt we would spend most of our time right there. I love to entertain and I love great conversation. I would absolutely cook an old-school Southern meal, topped off with a classic Southern banana pudding for dessert!

The Woodlands is just a short drive north of Houston, giving me access to everything I could want for a fun night out or fine dining experience. We would definitely make our way to The Woodlands Waterway — and no doubt end up on a karaoke stage somewhere, making new friends and I guarantee you, everyone will know us by name before the night was over. I always say, “It’s fun to have fun and I have fun on-purpose!”

Of course, no trip to the Houston area would be complete without Tex-Mex. Cyclone Anaya’s on The Woodlands Waterway is one of the best spots around. While Texas may be famous for barbecue, in my opinion, Houston does Tex-Mex better than anyone. And if we’re feeling like taking a little drive to the south side of Houston, we’d have to stop by Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken — hands down, the best fried chicken I’ve ever had in my life!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My passion for Child Nutrition Programs and excellence in School Foodservice is rooted, in large part, in the influence of my grandmother. I never imagined I would one day build a career in the world of school foodservice. It all began in 1999, when my grandmother brought me into one of her school kitchens. Starting as a Cafeteria Substitute, I moved on to become a full-time Child Nutrition Specialist, then a Cafeteria Manager at just 19 years old. From there, I became a Child Nutrition Area Supervisor, then Operations Manager for Houston ISD Nutrition Services — the largest school district in Texas and the seventh largest in the nation. I later served as a Supervising Menu Planner, and eventually as a Child Nutrition Director, leading my own programs.

I also owe a deep debt of gratitude to Dani Sheffield, the former Executive Director of Child Nutrition for Aldine ISD, and the remarkable team at Aldine ISD Child Nutrition. Dani took a young, inexperienced boy under her wing and set the bar for excellence. She demanded the highest standards, refused mediocrity, and relentlessly pursued the best for the students of Aldine ISD. Her no-nonsense leadership and commitment to quality left a lasting impression on me. Dani embodied the principle of “if you know better, do better” better than anyone I’ve ever seen. It is because of her example that I lead with a no-nonsense style today, always pushing for excellence. The women and managers at Aldine ISD Child Nutrition, embraced me — it felt like I had 65 or 70 mothers and grandmothers teaching and cheering me on. They trained me exceptionally well, and their impact on my career cannot be overstated. There are so many who contributed to my growth that it would be impossible to name them all without leaving someone out. But without my grandmother, Dani Sheffield, and the amazing team at Aldine ISD, I am certain I would not be where I am today.

Now, as Director of Child Nutrition for Splendora ISD, my success here, is due to the outstanding team I am fortunate to work with. Every award I’ve received, every successful state administrative review — none of it would be possible without the unwavering support from my colleagues. From our Superintendent and Chief Operations Officer, to our school principals, department directors, and leaders, and a team of employees that remain “coachable.” Districtwide, I am surrounded by people who believe in our mission. Their support for my ideas, my decisions, and my vision for Child Nutrition is what makes our department thrive.

It is exciting to receive the recognitions from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture. It is so rewarding when the regulatory authorities recognize you for the work that you’re doing, but the real joy comes from working alongside such a dedicated, talented group of people that allow me to do what I love to do. I make every effort to lead with purpose, not just process. Every tray I serve fuels a mind, every decision I make builds trust, and every challenge I face, is a chance to rise. Feeding children is not just my job, it’s my calling and I am so incredibly lucky to work with a group of people that never stand in my way and allow me to lead with that purpose. Splendora ISD truly is the greatest school district in the world, and I am honored to serve the community of Splendora, TX with this incredible team.

Website: https://www.splendoraisd.org/departments/child-nutrition