Board authorizes negotiations with Sodexo for food-service contract; will award contingent on successful talks
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Summary
After an RFP process, the district recommended Sodexo for food-service management and the board approved the recommendation contingent on successful negotiations to reduce per-meal cost and add reporting requirements.
The Hendry County School Board authorized negotiations with Sodexo to continue as the district's food-service provider following an RFP, with the award contingent on successful negotiation of price and service terms.
District staff said four proposals were received and the evaluation team shortlisted two firms. Sodexo ranked second in the committee's scoring, with cost cited as a primary differentiator; despite the ranking, the committee recommended Sodexo because of its existing performance, responsiveness and compliance with federal meal program requirements. The superintendent recommended reappointing Sodexo pending a negotiated reduced per-meal rate and clarified contractual items.
Board discussion requested that negotiated terms and the contract language be returned to the board or made available for review. The district CFO said per-meal pricing under the contract typically adjusts with the Consumer Price Index and that the RFP generally becomes the basis of the awarded contract; staff said they will pursue negotiated changes before final contract execution.
Board members also asked Sodexo to provide quarterly operational presentations covering breakfast participation, a la carte sales and meal quality. The board approved the superintendent's recommendation and authorized negotiations; the motion carried 4-0.
Action: Motion to approve reappointment of Sodexo pending successful negotiations; moved and seconded; vote 4-0 to authorize negotiations and proceed with award if terms are met.