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Board hears concerns about food-service contractor and potential $20,000 cost increase
Summary
District leaders told the board the food-service vendor cited staffing and financial pressures and requested an additional $20,000 to continue next year; members raised meal quality, serving-time and renovation issues and asked staff to explore alternatives and solicit student input.
During the business portion of the meeting, district officials reported problems with the current food-service contractor, Ed Advance, which the treasurer said is not making money on the contract and has requested an additional $20,000 to continue service next year. The treasurer said the vendor reported staffing difficulties and that the district is "toying with what to do about that."
Board members described several practical problems tied to meal service: long serving times that leave students little time to eat, perceived declines in meal quality since universal free lunch during COVID, and the need for a substantial cafeteria renovation to address throughput and serving logistics. One board member said that when lunches were free during COVID, "everyone ate lunch and nobody complained about the food," but participation and complaints changed once paid lunches resumed.
Officials said they will explore alternatives and consult students before making a vendor change. The treasurer also tied the food-service discussion to ongoing budget pressures, noting rising propane and electricity costs and that energy line items are over budget.
