Norwood Schools Committee votes to contract Chartwells for food service management

The Norwood School Committee made a significant move during their recent meeting by advancing the food services contract with Chartwells, a subsidiary of Compass Group North America. This decision comes as the district enters the final year of its current contract and aims to secure a new three-year agreement.

Mister Mannion provided an update on the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, revealing that Chartwells was the sole bidder. The evaluation committee, which included school committee members and principals, rated Chartwells as "highly advantageous" based on their non-price proposal. The company’s financial proposal guarantees a return of $436,735 to the food service program each year, a figure that Mannion described as competitive and beneficial for the district.

Concerns were raised about the sustainability of this guaranteed return, particularly in light of federal funding that supports the district's universal free lunch program. Committee members discussed the need for careful contract negotiations to ensure that the terms are favorable and secure for the future.

The committee voted unanimously to authorize Mister Mannion to enter into contract negotiations with Chartwells, marking a positive step towards finalizing the agreement. The next phase will involve drafting the contract language, which must be submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for approval.

This decision not only reflects the committee's commitment to maintaining a strong food service program but also highlights the importance of ensuring financial stability in the face of changing funding landscapes. The anticipated contract will allow for annual renewals, providing flexibility as the district navigates future challenges.