Last night, Thursday May 27, 2021, the Jefferson Local School District Board of Education voted to award a contract to a private vendor to operate its food service operations starting July 1, 2021. This was not a decision that was made lightly by the Board or administration. The reason for this decision is due in large part to the declining financial performance of the Food Service Fund over the last several years. Whenever the Food Service Fund cannot support itself, through meal charges and reimbursements, the District is required to support it by transferring funds from the General Fund. Every dollar that is transferred from the General Fund to the Food Service Fund is money that could be spent in the classroom. The District believes that by contracting with a private vendor the Food Service Fund will be in a better place financially, which will benefit the whole District.
The District also believes that the vendor, Chartwells, can improve the menu offerings currently being served in our buildings. Chartwells has access to wider network of suppliers that can make the meals not only healthy but also delicious. Increasing participation of the food service program is a goal of the District, as it will ensure our students are receiving nutritious meals while in school. Studies have shown that children benefit not only physically but also educationally when they receive a healthy, well-balanced meal. Having a menu that is enticing to the students can help not only financially but also meet the District’s educational goals.
The Board and administration wishes to express its gratitude for the hard work put in by the food service staff, especially after the most challenging of years. Every Jefferson Local food service employee will have an opportunity to be employed by Chartwells this coming school year. This decision is not a reflection on them, and we hope to see them back in the buildings next year.
Thank you and if you have any questions or concerns you can reach out to William Mullett, Superintendent, at
[email protected].