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Prospect Heights Board awards food service contract to Organic Life, approves higher student lunch fees
Summary
The Board voted June 12 to award the 2025–26 food service management contract to Organic Life LLC (approx. $409,792) and approved an increase in student lunch fees (paid lunches proposed at $4.40; breakfast $2.25). The contract requires ISBE Step 3 approval before implementation.
The Prospect Heights School District 23 Board of Education on June 12 approved a contract with Organic Life LLC to operate district food services in 2025–26, with an approximate contract value of $409,792 and a requirement to file Step 3 paperwork with the Illinois State Board of Education before implementation.
Board member Mari‑Lynn Peters moved to award the Food Service Management RFP to Organic Life; Dr. Spencer Long seconded the motion, which passed with the recorded voting members in favor. The administration said the recommended action followed a competitive RFP process permitted under Illinois School Code and ISBE procurement rules; three complete bid packages were evaluated.
The Board also approved proposed student meal prices tied to the new management contract: a proposed paid breakfast price of $2.25 and paid lunches at $4.40 for grades K–8 for the 2025–26 school year. Administration cited rising food and service costs and alignment with National School Lunch Program reimbursements as reasons for the increase.
Amy McPartlin, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations (contact on the RFP), provided the procurement background: the solicitation was published, 24 vendors were invited, a mandatory pre‑bid site visit was held, and three bids were received and reviewed. The action requires ISBE final approval before the vendor can begin operations in the 2025–26 school year.
Next steps: administration will submit the required ISBE Step 3 documentation, implement transition planning with Organic Life if ISBE approval is granted, and adjust nutrition program communications to families to reflect the new pricing and vendor changes.
