Board approves replacement of aging kitchen equipment; Liberty oven and KDBA dishwasher to be replaced

Danville CCSD 118 approved two purchases for food service after staff said existing equipment is beyond repair and parts are no longer available.

Zeta Pisel, director of food services, recommended replacing a more than 20‑year‑old Vulcan convection oven for Liberty Elementary (quote: $14,700 plus $4,750 installation). Pisel said the oven is essential to prepare breakfast for more than 300 students and lunch for about 295. She also recommended replacing an over‑25‑year‑old ventless Hobart dishwasher at KDBA (quote: $22,800 plus $4,200 installation). Pisel said the Vermilion County Health Department has emphasized the dishwasher replacement because that site lacks a three‑compartment sink.

The board asked whether the purchases were budgeted; staff said they would move funds from repair lines and that the district has available funds set aside for equipment replacement. The dishwasher vendor rebate (about $200) was noted as applied. The board approved both purchases by roll call.

Why it matters: Food service equipment failures can disrupt school meal service and compliance with health department requirements; board approval enables timely replacement and continued service.

Next steps: Procurement and installation will proceed; staff will manage budget line transfers and schedule installations.