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Board delays Chartwells amendment to allow more information on employee compensation and invoicing
Summary
Board members asked for more detail about a proposed Chartwells contract amendment after concerns that outsourcing could reduce pay or benefits for current food service workers; staff said Chartwells invoices salary and benefits separately and that the amendment will be brought as an action item next week with additional information.
The Asheville City Schools Board of Education did not place a proposed amendment to its Chartwells food-service contract on the consent agenda and asked staff for more detail on how the arrangement affects employee pay, benefits and program costs.
Why it matters: Board members expressed concern about potential changes in compensation and benefits for school nutrition workers if Chartwells employs food-service staff instead of the district. One board member said, "I don't want to be saving money by reducing compensation to our food and nutrition workers," and asked staff to provide the underlying contract, previous amendments and financial comparisons.
What staff said: District staff explained that Chartwells' invoices typically separate food operating costs from salary and fringe benefits and that those direct invoices allow the district to control and review salary costs. A Chartwells representative said, "Charles invoices in 2 parts," and staff confirmed the district currently pays some Chartwells salaries and benefits directly by separate invoice. Staff also noted that private employment through a vendor can affect summer unemployment eligibility; a staff member explained that private employers sometimes provide unemployment in the summer that district employees do not receive.
Board direction: Members requested the underlying contract, prior amendments and additional cost breakdowns be provided before a vote. The chair said the amendment would not go on the consent agenda and would be up for a vote at the next board meeting after staff sends the requested materials.
Next steps: Staff said it would email the underlying contract and additional financial information to the board ahead of next week's meeting.
