District administration told the finance committee on Dec. 2 that it intends to put the food-service management contract out to request for proposals ahead of its 06/30/2027 expiration. The administration cited several material changes since the contract was first bid — a restructuring of grades at multiple buildings, a move to community lunches in high school and modified summer feeding operations — and said vendor performance and participation levels have not met expectations.

The presenter said the RFP process requires state review (Pennsylvania Department of Education) and outlined a timetable: PDE review in December, advertise the RFP in January–February, a suggested pre-bid walk-through March 11, a bid opening on March 27, and an April or May award so a contractor can be ready for the 07/01/2026 start date in the bid schedule. The administration said evaluation criteria will include a presentation and a sampling (taste test) with a select committee of students, board members and parents.

Board members asked about student satisfaction measures and meal pricing. The presenter said the district has conducted surveys and monitors participation levels (which the presenter said are declining) and confirmed the district sets meal prices (secondary meals cited at $3.25 and $0.95 for another category in the presentation).