Sodexo hired on a one year contract with an option to renew for four.
Facing increasing financial pressure from tax caps and the need to be compliant with state and federal food service regulations, the Washington Community School Board voted to privatize the maintenance and food service at all of Washington’s schools next year. The Board awarded the one-year contract with option to renew for four additional years to Sodexo. Sodexo also services the Vincennes Schools. Several members of the schools system’s maintenance staff filled the meeting room and while none of the staff spoke, some left in tears after the vote, and many were discussing the change with S0dexo representatives in the Administration Building’s lobby after the meeting.
After the meeting, Washington Superintendent Dr. Dan Roach discussed the reasons for the change.
Roach says the current employees have done a good job, but the schools are understaffed due to the financial crunch. And he says that the food service sector will be in compliance with state and federal regulations, and the students should see more choices than the current system is able to provide.
Roach says that Sudexo will guarantee current employees their current schedules and salaries. However, maintenance employees are concerned that they will no longer be enrolled in Indiana’s Public Employees Retirement Fund.
SCHOOL BOARD 2
The Washington Community School Board accepted the resignation of Washington High School Principal LeAnn Kelly last night. Saying she loved Washington and it’s administration but has decided to take a leap of faith and accepte the principal’s position she says was offered to her by White River Valley. The job for a new principal at Washington High is being posted and applicants from inside and outside the system. Interviewing could begin next month. Kelly’s resignation is effective June 30th
Also the board voted to terminate non certified employee William Breeden. He’s been suspended without pay for about month after an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a 17 year old student. He’s been charged with four counts of child seduction. His termination was effective immediately.
Retirement letters from teachers Cheryl Price and Brenda Smith were also accepted.