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Board awards food-service contract to Chartwells; CEP expansion will give free meals at MAS and Hommocks
Summary
The board awarded the district food-service management contract to Compass Group USA/Chartwells and heard staff say combining MAS and Hommocks pushed the district above the 25% threshold so both schools will offer free breakfasts and lunches starting in September.
The Board of Education voted to award the district's child nutrition management contract for 2024–25 to Compass Group USA Inc., operating through its Chartwells division. The board authorized the superintendent to execute the associated agreement.
During a follow-up update, district staff reported last year's transition to Chartwells had been challenging but is improving. The onsite food-service manager, Jose Melendez, was named as taking over services; staff said they expect further improvement when the MAS kitchen opens. The staff update also explained that the district applied for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) at MAS and, after combining MAS and Hommocks for the calculation, exceeded the 25% threshold the state requires, meaning all children at MAS and Hommocks will receive free breakfast and lunch starting in September.
Board members asked for a short update on operations and staff described continuity in the second year with changes in personnel at the site. The board approved food prices for the 2024–25 year for situations where CEP does not apply and approved related consent-agenda items concerning awards and contracts.
No protest or formal challenge to the food-service contract was recorded in the public transcript; parent and board questions focused on continuity and day-to-day operations under Chartwells.
