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West Bend school board approves Aramark food-service contract; company to offer staff positions and raises
Summary
The West Bend Joint School District No. 1 board voted to hire Aramark to manage its food service program, approving an initial contract for 2026'027 with four one-year renewal options; the vendor has committed to offering current food-service employees positions with a 3% raise and a $250 transition bonus.
The West Bend Joint School District No. 1 board voted July 21 to approve a food service management contract with Aramark, approving an initial term covering 2026 and 2027 plus four one-year extension options.
Assistant Superintendent Lenny Hanson told the board the district's self-operated food service program has faced "multi year financial challenges driven largely by rising food costs over the past 5 years," and that the administration issued a request for proposals to test whether outsourcing would be viable. Hanson said the administration recommends Aramark for its food quality and program strength and because the company committed to staff continuity.
"Aramark has committed to offering every single 1 of our food service employees a position with Aramark at their same number of hours per week, along with a 3% raise, and a $250 transition bonus as they move over to become employees of Aramark," Hanson said. He also said the district had required bidders to commit to protecting current staff as part of the selection process.
Board members asked whether the contract would change the prices families pay for meals this year. Hanson replied, "No. This does not change the pricing that families pay for their meals. That's approved by the board each spring and the board took action earlier this year on what the coming year's meal prices would be already." A board member also asked about health insurance; Hanson said, "There is. There's only a couple of employees in the operation that receive health insurance, but, they will receive, the same number of hours and health insurance through Aramark, as well."
Vice President Kelly Lang moved to approve the contract and Chris seconded. Superintendent Wimmer conducted a roll-call vote: Mr. Pickler, Mr. Jenkins, Ms. Krueger, Ms. Lang and Ms. Ergot voted yes. Mr. Swigert and Dr. Tamez were absent and excused. The motion carried.
The board concluded its planned business and adjourned the meeting.
