Board approves consent agenda: Chartwells to provide food service; Dr. Kinder Johnson named assistant superintendent

The Cheltenham School Board approved its consent agenda at the May legislative meeting, an item that included procurement actions and the appointment of Dr. Kinder Johnson as assistant superintendent.

During discussion, Financial Affairs Committee chair Mr. Schultz described the food-service rebid process (taste testing, surveys, interviews) and noted the administration's recommendation to award the contract following a competitive RFP. A member of the public, Mr. Phelps, confirmed that Chartwells was the vendor recommended and later approved by the board. The consent agenda motion was made and seconded (second by Charles Bordian); board members approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

The consent agenda also included a contract with EmpowerEd School Solutions to audit special education programs and other items such as a secondary-level mental health support contract noted by board members during discussion.

After the vote, the board welcomed Dr. Johnson, who offered brief remarks pledging to center students, support teachers and principals, and collaborate with families and the community.

Outcome: Consent agenda approved; Chartwells was confirmed as the district food-service vendor and Dr. Kinder Johnson was introduced as the new assistant superintendent.

Next steps: Administration will proceed with vendor onboarding and personnel onboarding steps for the new assistant superintendent; any contract documents will be posted with board records.