Board refers costly Cintas janitorial agreement to legal counsel

Board members asked staff and legal counsel to review a long‑standing arrangement with Cintas for janitorial supplies and services after staff reported what they described as a high monthly cost and incomplete authorization in district records.

Operations staff told the board the agreement covers paper products, rugs and cleaning supplies and that current invoicing averages about $11,000 per month. Staff said they have discussed alternative suppliers and a state‑supported program that could reduce costs to roughly $3,500 per month. The district reported it is about halfway through what appears in records as a 60‑month agreement.

When the Cintas representative later described potential discount programs, staff said that option should have been disclosed earlier in the sales process. The board asked counsel to examine whether the district can exit the agreement, and staff noted the vendor offered a buyout option equating to 50% of product costs if an exit cannot be negotiated.

A motion to refer the matter to legal counsel passed on an oral vote. Board members said they will review the contract language (including any non‑compete or per‑item charge structure) and seek counsel’s recommendation on buyout versus renegotiation.

No final decision on a vendor replacement or buyout was made at the meeting; staff said they have been in contact with other suppliers and will report back with more precise pricing and contract terms.