The Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Education voted Aug. 12 to award a contract to Flynn Group, doing business as Pizza Hut, to provide delivered pizza for nutrition services in secondary school snack bars.

Why it matters: The contract will allow secondary students to buy pizza in approved snack bars as a supplemental offering outside the reimbursable lunch program. Board members focused on the federal "smart snacks" nutrition standards the vendor must meet and on whether the single-bid result left adequate competition.

What happened: Nutrition services staff said the district issued a public solicitation and received interest from multiple vendors but only Pizza Hut submitted a responsive bid. The board discussed nutritional compliance and options for non-pork items. Staff said snack offerings must meet Department of Education nutrition guidelines and that nutrition services will continue searching for additional vendors that meet the guidelines.

Votes and implementation: The board approved the bid by roll call; board members voting recorded included Randy Lopez, Robert Mylan Junior, Wanda Brownlee Page, Rachel Russell and Doctor Wynne (all voting yes). Staff said the contract will be implemented for the coming school year at middle and high schools.

Discussion vs. decision: The board action approved the vendor for the breakfast/lunch supplementary snack program and did not change nutrition standards. Staff committed to continue pursuing additional vendor options.

Ending: Staff said they would put other competitive solicitations on future agendas and that snack items and services must remain compliant with federal nutrition rules; the contract will proceed for the current school year for middle and high schools.