Celebrating a Career: Salmen Reaches 50 Years in Nutrition Services

January 8, 2026

Leann Salmen walked into the doors of Kahoa Elementary School on December 1, 1975. Fifty years later, she’s still doing what she loves, caring for students and supporting her team as a substitute worker in nutrition services.

What brought Salmen to LPS initially was the opportunity to work part time while her three children were in school and time at home when they weren't. What made her stay was the work itself.

“Oh I love the job,” Salmen said. “I just love the people and the kids, getting the food ready and dishing everything.”

Over the years, she has worked in several kitchens, including Kahoa, Clinton, Norwood Park, Riley, Mickle and Brownell, where she was a kitchen manager. Today as a substitute, her favorite thing to do is dish alley, cleaning dishes.

She said she has seen many changes during her time, including more side and meal options and breakfast service in all schools. 

“People gravitate to Leann because of her warm and positive demeanor,” Norwood Park Principal Monique Ruiz said. “She always has a smile on her face and people can tell that she loves what she does. She makes all the hard work she does look easy, even though her job as a substitute is demanding.”

LPS Nutrition Services Director Andrew Ashelford said Salmen’s 50 years with LPS reflect a district that prioritizes students while supporting staff growth and fostering strong relationships. He pointed to her path from substitute worker to kitchen manager as an example of the department's mission-driven culture. 

“I like to think of our department as one big family!” Ashelford said. “I see it in each school building and cafeteria. The staff are preparing food but are also having a good time.”

Ashelford said the role of a long term substitute is invaluable because they help fill a need that exists within the schools they serve. Being a substitute and going into a new environment is not easy work, and it takes a special person to do the job successfully. 

“We appreciate Leann and all the wonderful substitutes we have in LPS because they really do fill a need and play an important role in creating a consistent, loving, safe school environment for our young scholars,” Ashelford said.

While Salmen is a substitute, she is proud to say she’s consistently booked up working 150-175 days of the school year. 

“I just try to do a good job and keep working at it,” she said. 

Interested in learning more about working in Nutrition Services at LPS? Visit LPS Nutrition Services careers for current opportunities.

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