Millis panel approves Chartwells amendment and multi‑year food and transportation contracts; adult and second‑meal prices to rise

The Millis School Committee voted June 23 to approve a Chartwells contract amendment and to adopt a modest increase in meal prices for adults and second meals, while planning to issue a new RFP for FY27.

Business manager Shaileen Volpe presented the fourth and final contract amendment with Chartwells, noting annual increases included in the packet (presented as roughly 3.8–4.2 percent across the years listed). The committee approved the amendment in open session.

Volpe also explained that federal rules and Chartwells’ price‑equity tool require the district to set a price for adult and second meals even though student meals remain free through the federal program. The committee approved the updated prices the meeting recorded as: adult breakfast up about $1.25, adult lunch up about $0.50, student breakfast up about $0.50, and student lunch up about $0.75. Volpe said free and reduced pricing for eligible students does not change.

After an executive session to discuss collective bargaining, the committee returned to open session and approved a three‑year food services contract (pending vendor language updates) and a three‑year transportation contract; motions were made by Sean Powers and seconded by Jaime Staraitis and both motions carried by voice vote.

Committee members said the district will go out to bid for food services next year. Chair Shayna Canestrari and business manager Shaileen Volpe said the amendments keep the program solvent while minimizing price impacts on families.