For Jason Pauley, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a way to connect, uplift, and inspire. As the Food Service Director at Centralia High School, Jason brings innovation and heart to the school cafeteria, transforming it into a space that offers far more than just meals.

“We’re here to do more than serve food,” Jason explains. “We’re here to make sure every student feels seen, valued, and ready to take on their day.”

Jason’s journey into food service began humbly at the age of 10, when he complained about his mother’s cooking. “She told me, ‘If you don’t like it, you can cook it yourself,’” he laughs. That sparked a lifelong love of cooking, leading him to earn degrees in Culinary Arts Management and Food Nutrition from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

With a professional background ranging from managing restaurants to teaching culinary arts at a correctional center, Jason found his calling in school food service about eight years ago. “This is where I feel like I make the biggest impact,” he says.

At Centralia High School, Jason oversees a team of 13 employees, including five full-time staff, and serves over 600 meals daily. His innovative approach has made the cafeteria a popular hub, feeding 90% of the student body—a rare achievement in school food service.

Jason’s commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from sourcing fresh produce through the Department of Defense’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program to ensuring meals are both nutritious and appealing. “We don’t cut corners,” he says. “I want the students to eat food they enjoy, made with quality ingredients.”

One of Jason’s most popular innovations is the cycle menu he developed after analyzing student preferences. “Chicken, hamburgers, spaghetti—those are staples,” he says. “But we’re always testing new ideas, like our chicken bacon ranch parmesan, which was a hit.” His willingness to adapt has earned rave reviews from students and staff alike.

Beyond the food, Jason values his team’s role in creating a supportive environment. He empowers his staff to notice and address students’ needs, often working with counselors to discreetly assist students facing food insecurity. “A lot happens behind the scenes,” he shares. “Whether it’s sending food home with a student or tweaking meals to fit their preferences, we’re here to help.”

Jason’s leadership style emphasizes collaboration and trust. “I don’t micromanage,” he says. “I believe a manager is only as good as the people they surround themselves with, and I’m lucky to have a fantastic team.”

Being a Centralia High School alumnus adds a personal dimension to Jason’s work. “Coming back to my school and serving this community is incredibly meaningful,” he reflects. “This is my way of giving back.”

Jason’s passion for food and community extends beyond the cafeteria. He’s passed on his love for cooking to his daughter, a University of Illinois junior who once beat him in a chili cook-off—twice. “She’s taken what I taught her and made it her own,” he says with pride.

For Jason, the ultimate goal is to ensure that every student leaves the cafeteria feeling better than when they arrived. “Food is about more than just eating—it’s about care, connection, and creating moments that matter,” he says.

And at Centralia High School, those moments start with Jason Pauley and his dedicated team.