Board approves Chartwells food‑service renewal with a below‑guidance increase, 4–2

The Fond du Lac School District Board of Education voted to renew its food‑service management contract with Chartwells for the 2026–27 school year, approving the renewal on a 4–2 roll call.

Administration told the board that the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) guidance typically sets a minimum allowable increase of about 3% (with a not‑to‑exceed near 4%), but district negotiators engaged Chartwells and recommended a 2% increase for the coming year. "We've engaged with negotiations with Chartwells and we're recommending a lower increase than the DPI minimum amount," an administrator said during the meeting.

The motion to approve the renewal was introduced by Mr. Henchel and seconded by Mr. Godfrey. During the roll call vote board members recorded the following: Henchel — yes; Lyins — yes; Tranel — yes; Motor — yes; Godfrey — no; Frame — no. The motion carried 4–2.

Board discussion was limited; members accepted the administration’s explanation that the district is required to bid food services every five years and that year‑to‑year renewals include an optional one‑year extension governed by DPI rules. Administrators said the district will continue to work with Chartwells on improving food‑service outcomes and financial stability.

What happens next: the renewal is authorized for 2026–27 and staff will continue contract oversight and negotiations on operational outcomes and service metrics.