District approves Elior contract, aims to restore cafeteria staff and boost student meal participation

The Grants-Cibola County Schools board approved a new food-services contract with Elior School Dining aimed at improving meal quality and increasing student participation.

Superintendent Weidner introduced Edwina Gamboa as the district coordinator for transportation and food services and asked her to present the new contract. Gamboa said Elior will provide “healthy, delicious meals” and supplied proposed August–September menus. She told the board the district recommended 14 offers to former GCCS food-service employees out of 17 who had worked with the prior operator and that those hires are pending acceptance so the district can be fully staffed for the school year.

Board members asked whether kitchen modifications would be necessary. Gamboa said no major changes at most sites; instead the district will satellite service to smaller schools (Bluewater and San Rafael) from Milan and Cougar kitchens and add hot-well capability at the high school to speed service. “We are able to see our national school lunch program grow, thrive, and continue to support the health and academic achievement of our entire community,” Gamboa said. The superintendent invited board visits to kitchens before the school year.

The board discussion did not include a dollar figure for the Elior contract in the transcript; staffing and operational timelines were discussed. The presentation closed with board members expressing support and the superintendent noting onboarding for nutrition staff is scheduled for August 3.