Lawton administrators recommend Chartwells to run school meals; proposal would transition staff and promise larger guaranteed return

District administrators presented the results of a food‑service management RFP and recommended awarding the contract to Chartwells, highlighting operational changes, student engagement strategies and projected financial gains.

Assistant Superintendent Lance Gibbs and the evaluation team said six companies returned proposals and Chartwells ranked first after a five‑person evaluation committee considered price, food quality, menu options, employee training and guaranteed returns. "Chartwells guaranteed a $1.25 million return," the presenters said; the RFP required a minimum guaranteed return of $850,000.

Officials described Chartwells' proposed approach: an on‑site resident district manager, a district executive chef to standardize scratch cooking and menu quality, grab‑and‑go stations at high‑traffic exits, themed 'Global Eats' menus and student taste‑test programs. Chartwells also proposed career‑readiness partnerships and paid internships for secondary students.

The CFO presented fiscal context: the district served about 2.3 million meals this year, with meal costs of roughly $5.3 million and labor of $3.5 million, producing total expenses of approximately $8.8 million and revenue of about $9.6 million (a net of roughly $813,000). Chartwells proposed a per‑plate price of $3.93 and projected returns up to $1.92 million if meal participation increases.

A key personnel issue: the district issued two RFP tracks — one that would keep food‑service staff employed by the district and one that would transfer staff to the vendor. Chartwells proposed transitioning employees with an entry pay of $13.50 per hour, a $1,000 transition bonus and full benefits including a 401(k) with a 6% match. The CFO warned that some current employees participate in the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and that moving to a vendor 401(k) model could change pension outcomes for affected staff.

Administration recommended entering a contract with Chartwells beginning July 1 so Chartwells could operate summer feeding and begin site work for equipment and kitchen updates. The recommendation did not record a final board vote on the contract during the meeting; board members asked clarifying questions about staff transitions and logistics.

Next steps: administration said it will bring contract documents and transition details back to the board, continue site walk‑throughs to determine equipment needs, and coordinate summer feeding operations.