Search for cafeteria director leads to food service vendor

Jennifer Sommer
Posted 10/26/17

MENDOTA – District 289 will seek food service bids after getting approval for the go-ahead at the Oct. 19 board of education meeting.

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Search for cafeteria director leads to food service vendor

Posted

MENDOTA – District 289 will seek food service bids after getting approval for the go-ahead at the Oct. 19 board of education meeting.

The district began looking for a cafeteria director to replace Janice Nowlin who will retire in January. After not being able to fill the position, the board has now decided to use an outside service. “I think one of the difficulties has been in how to advertise for a position that has so many different ways to be qualified,” stated Kristen School, superintendent.

Although two candidates have recently applied for the position, now there is not enough time for training.

“I have looked into many different options,” said School after recommending the use of a food service.

To begin the process, the district will submit a proposal to the state. To be most cost effective, the district will need to contract for the remainder of the year plus the following school year.

Current staff would remain employees of District 289, however, a new director would be employed by the food service company. Board member Joel Johnson expressed his concern that using an outside source meant a loss of control. School noted that a vendor could offer a lot of resources.

Lunch prices would continue to be set by state guidelines.

The board held their first two strategic planning committee meetings. Board representatives, parents, teachers, support staff and teachers attended the first meeting to brainstorm. Information gathered from that meeting was presented to the entire board and administrative team at the second meeting. The meetings are led by an Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) representative with the purpose of creating goals and setting a direction for the district.

A new law requires school districts to test for lead where students might have access to the water, for example, drinking fountains, classroom sinks, and cafeteria sinks. TEST Inc. of Peru will perform the tests before the Jan. 1, 2018 deadline. School estimated the district could need to take up to 400 samples. Cost will run the district $18 per sample.

School told the board she sent a letter to Lee County but has not received a response. The letter addressed the tax error that resulted in a $188,000 loss of revenue for the district. School noted she will continue to pursue the issue.

Cement work on the north side of Lincoln School is complete. The entrance is now handicap accessible, as well.

The outside doors in the sixth-grade wing at Northbrook School will be fitted with new mechanisms. The doors not closing and locking properly have been a security issue. S & J Door Inc. of Frankfort will complete the project for around $5,100.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 6:30 p.m.