District Ponders Privatizing Food Service

By Andrew Cluley

Ann Arbor, MI – Ann Arbor school district officials are looking at the possible cost advantages of outsourcing the district's food services operations.
The district has sent out requests for proposals that would either maintain the current system of having an outside company manage the operation, or an option that would have an outside company run the entire operation, which would result in the layoffs of more than 70 district employees.
School board member Helen Gates-Bryant says she would have to see significant savings to consider making a change.
The district's current contract with Chartwells expires at the end of this school year.
The district currently spends general fund dollars on food services.