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District to bring food services in-house, citing quality and cost concerns
Summary
Administrators told the budget committee they will move food services from a contractor to in-house management next year, hire a manager and expect startup costs; they project serving ~325,000 meals this year and plan a general-fund transfer to subsidize transition.
District leaders told the budget committee they plan to transition food services from a contracted provider to an in-house model for the coming school year. Administration said the change is intended to improve fiscal sustainability and meal quality, and that a manager and a director of student wellness will lead the transition. "We are transitioning to an in house food services and have hired a director of student wellness and achievement who will lead changes to improve fiscal sustainability and program quality," Superintendent Kim Kellison said.
Administrators acknowledged one-time startup costs and an anticipated transfer (subsidy) from the general fund for the first year. They projected the district served about 325,000 meals this school year and noted that reimbursement rates have not kept pace with labor and benefit costs; district leaders also said a cooperative purchasing arrangement will help stabilize food costs going forward. Committee members raised questions about closing campus access and student participation; administrators said the in-house program aims to increase participation by improving menu options and student input.
