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District proposes custodial RFP to reduce costs; board presses for worker protections
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Stewart outlined a custodial RFP to save money by moving part‑time custodial positions to contracted vendors while preserving full‑time FTEs; board members raised concerns about benefits and community impacts and asked for vendor benefit requirements.
The Chapel Hill‑Carrboro schools operations team told the board it will issue a custodial services request for proposals (RFP) aimed at reducing the district’s custodial spending (currently described as about $5,000,000 annually) by moving some part‑time custodial positions onto a contracted vendor while keeping full‑time FTEs on the district payroll.
Dr. Stewart said the proposal would unify day and evening custodial scopes, bridge daytime and nighttime coverage to support lunch and dismissal periods, and preserve opportunities for district employees who wish to remain district staff. "Everyone that has benefits remains with their benefits. No one would lose those benefits," Dr. Stewart told the board.
Board members raised labor and equity concerns. Vicky asked how the district would ensure contracted workers receive healthcare and other supports; Dr. Stewart said the RFP can require vendors to offer benefits and that part‑time employees proposed to move to contract status do not presently have district benefits. Barb asked about day‑to‑day supervision and uniforms; Dr. Stewart said contracted staff would be integrated under school designees and wear consistent attire so roles are not confusing on campus.
Dr. Stewart said the district cannot yet provide a total projected savings figure until the RFP responses are evaluated but said the change is intended to be budget‑neutral over time and the contract would be reevaluated after three years. The board asked staff to include community‑impact and benefits provisions in the RFP.
