Student raises concerns about Organic Life contract; board approves contract extension on consent agenda

Jack Pye, a student at Metea Valley High School, told the Indian Prairie CUSD 204 Board of Education on April 7 that the district's contract with Organic Life LLC has restricted student-run food activities and fundraising in some schools.

"The contract in place has had consequences that restrict student opportunities, particularly when it comes to creativity, fundraising, business education, and volunteerism," Jack Pye said during the public-comment period, describing the closure of a student-run café at Naperville North High School that he said was displaced by the district's contract with Organic Life LLC.

Pye said he will submit a FOIA request to obtain the full contract and any amendments because he believes students and families deserve transparency. "I urge the board to consider how contracts like these impact student engagement, business, learning, and creativity when future agreements are negotiated," he said.

The food-service contract extension for Organic Life LLC was included and approved as part of the consent agenda (items F through Y). During discussion before the roll call a board member noted that the consent agenda included the contract extension and said district staff would follow up; meeting remarks indicated that Ron Johnson is meeting with the student to discuss his concerns.

Superintendent's office materials and the meeting transcript note that the district participates in the National School Lunch Program, and district staff reminded the board and public that participation in the federal program imposes certain limitations on food sales and fundraising activities on campus.

The board did not debate the contract extension in public session beyond the consent-agenda process; administrators told the meeting they would follow up as appropriate and that a staff member is meeting with the student to discuss the request for contract documents.