As we kick off another school year filled with promise and challenges, I’m honored to introduce myself, Rosemary Orliss, as the new leader of Heartland School Solutions. While this role is new to me, Heartland is not—I’ve been part of this incredible company for 21 years, wearing many hats (and yes, even a few hairnets!) across Marketing, Sales, Account Management, Partnerships, Payments, and Product.

For me, this work has never just been about  nutrition software or payments—it’s deeply personal. As a mom of two children in the 5th and 7th grades, I see every day how schools shape who they are becoming, not just as students, but as friends, leaders, and citizens. My youngest began kindergarten on Zoom, so I know how precious every in-person moment with teachers, staff, and peers can be. I feel the same flurry many of you do at the start of a school year—signing papers, filling out forms, downloading apps—and I’m reminded how important it is to have tools that make these tasks easier, so parents and school-based team members can focus on what really matters: supporting students and helping them thrive.

That’s why I’m so proud of the work our team does at Heartland School Solutions. We’re here to support those of you on the front lines—school nutrition teams, administrators, and educators—who make a difference in the lives of children every single day. 

Embracing a Unique School Year
In many ways this school year is unlike any other, as K-12 school districts are faced with significant and often unpredictable changes each day. Updates at the federal level, regulation changes, and funding uncertainties, have particularly made preparation for this year more challenging and unclear. While this has been overwhelming, I can’t help but be reminded of what truly matters most - that we continue to prioritize caring for students and ensuring they have the exceptional school experience they deserve. 

Despite the current changes, at Heartland we will always prioritize supporting your districts and the programs that help students thrive and grow. From meals, to sports, and after-school programs, we recognize how important these programs are to schools and their communities. 

The Vital Role of Schools in Your Community
The start of a new school year is more than just kids going back to the classroom - it represents the start of continued education, growth, and a sense of community. We know how important you all are to the students and your surrounding communities.

Each school employee is an impactful part of the formula to guarantee students are getting the most out of their school days. Whether in the classroom, in the cafeteria, or out on the field, your team is doing essential work to make the lives of students better. As your partner, we strive to do that alongside you and support the technology that empowers your staff. 

Our Mission
Here at Heartland School Solutions, we are dedicated to partnering with your district to understand your unique needs and goals. As a singular platform, our tools are designed to help make the jobs of administrators and school staff streamlined and effortless.

During a year of unknowns, our technology can help save staff time across all departments. In fact, this year we’re launching the first of its kind, Mosaic Back of House AI Assistant - a smart menu planning solution for school nutrition. This new tool helps you build compliant, creative menus in a matter of seconds. It works alongside you to suggest balanced meals, spark fresh ideas, and simplify your day. We’re continuing to look at many ways to make our solutions easier and more delightful to use, while delivering the results you’ve come to expect.

Like my children, many of you have already started your school year - and I hope it’s off to a smooth, if busy, start. Whether you are 3 weeks in or about to head in for your first day back, we remain committed to supporting your district and the important work you do each day. We look forward to working alongside you to ensure this year is a success. Thank you for being on this journey with us and I wish you a great 2025-2026 school year!