Ralston Public Schools board approves Sodexo food service contract for 2025–26

The Ralston Public Schools Board of Education voted to accept Sodexo’s proposal to operate the district’s food-service program for the 2025–26 school year, board members said during their meeting.

The motion, offered by Board Member Mary Richards and seconded by board member Liz, said the award is contingent on nutritional approval from the Nebraska Department of Education. “I recommend we accept the proposal for Sodexo Company to be our food service provider for the 2025, 2026 school year contingent on NDE nutritional services approval,” Richards said during the meeting.

Board members and staff told the board they evaluated bids through a request-for-proposals process and scored Sodexo 26 points higher than the nearest competitor. District presenters highlighted Sodexo’s commitments to local food sourcing and nitrate-free processed meat options as factors in the evaluation. Staff also noted continuity of an experienced on-site manager, Judy, as an operational benefit.

The vote was recorded as unanimous among voting trustees: Hupp, Richards, Krauss, Willie, Rorty and Kumar all voted “Aye.” The board’s approval is final at the local level but will not take effect until the Nebraska Department of Education completes its review of the food service plan and nutrition compliance.

Next steps described by staff include submitting the executed proposal to the Nebraska Department of Education and confirming alignment with federal nutrition requirements.

The board also discussed administrative oversight of the contract and indicated they will receive follow-up reports if the state grants approval.