Board approves moving forward with Sodexo food‑service contract after RFP

The North Wasco County SD 21 board voted on Oct. 24 to authorize district staff to proceed with executing a food-service management contract for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, following an RFP process in which Sodexo and Chartwells submitted proposals.

Chief Financial Officer Mr. Grantham said the district issued an RFP for food-service consulting services after the food-service director resigned and that both Sodexo and Chartwells responded. "We've sent a letter of intent to Sodexo and Chartwells that we intend to issue the contract to Sodexo," he said, and recommended the board authorize contract negotiations and execution.

Motion and vote: Motion by Director Nelson, seconded by Director Lopez to allow district staff to proceed; the board voted aye and the motion passed.

Board questions and vendor flexibility: Director (Speaker 12) asked whether contracting to Sodexo would preserve the district’s flexibility to offer varied menu options that encourage participation in free meals. Mr. Grantham said the proposals emphasized flexibility within state nutrition rules and that Sodexo’s proposal included ideas to increase participation. He added the district will be involved in selecting the onsite food-service manager.

Contract terms noted: Mr. Grantham said the contract would run through 06/30/2025 and include four additional one‑year renewal options (effectively a five‑year selection cycle before re‑bidding). He also said the district has used short extensions to remain in compliance while the selection concluded.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 718; topfinish SEG 764

Speakers quoted or referenced: Mr. Grantham (CFO, SEG 691); Director Nelson and Director Lopez (motion proposers/seconders, SEG 756)

Topics: food service procurement, vendor selection