Antigo board votes to request RFPs from DPI for school food service after extended discussion

The Unified School District of Antigo Board of Education voted to send requests for proposals (RFPs) through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to invite food‑service management companies to submit proposals for the district’s food program. The motion was made by Doctor Barto and carried after discussion at the board meeting.

Board members and staff said the RFP is a fact‑finding step, not a decision to outsource. Board members repeatedly described the RFP process as a way to gather information, noting that the district can interview companies and choose to stay with its current in‑house operation if the proposals are not acceptable.

The item drew a public comment from Lisa Beneshek, who identified herself as the district’s kitchen coordinator and said she opposes outsourcing. “It’s difficult to understand why this would be considered with our food service department being self supporting,” Beneshek told the board, saying the department covers wages, insurance and benefits and brings in additional revenue through a la carte sales and catering. She asked board members to visit the kitchens and meet staff before making any changes.

Board members and staff described the formal RFP pathway for food service: the district submits a posting through DPI’s procurement portal, companies decide whether to bid, proposals are returned to the district,…