The Daniel Boone Area School Board meeting room was filled with district cafeteria workers Monday, April 27, carrying signs that displayed their heartfelt requests to “not outsource” them and that “Lunch is Better Local!”
The group was at the school board meeting to protest a proposal before the board to contract with a food-services provider and eliminate the positions of cafeteria workers as school district employees.
“You’re making a big mistake to outsource – the ladies know who has allergies and who doesn’t – they know everyone by name,” said one of the workers, echoing the sentiment of her fellow workers and displaying a petition signed by more than 500 people.
“We’re mothers to every kid in that school. Before they leave that lunch room, we try to make them feel better. I have received letters, and for some it was the only smile they got that day. It is very sad,” she added.
Julia Stark, of Douglassville, said the “lunch ladies” are the backbone of the cafeteria system, they encourage kids to eat more fruits, and they also have ideas to improve the variety of foods kids will enjoy eating.
“They should not have to worry that they will lose their jobs,” said Stark. “Let the lunch ladies be involved in the changes.”
“When do you save money by having someone else do the job?” asked Stephanie Knight of Douglassville. “Local people did not get to vote on this. Don’t take our jobs away.”
Amy Hicks, president of the Daniel Boone Education Association, the teachers’ union, said “outsourcing ” would also affect local economics.
“From an economic standpoint – in Birdsboro they’re trying to revitalize the community, and now outsourcing jobs from people who live here – I’m not sure that will benefit our community,” said Hicks.
The district’s current food services contract with Sodexo Operations LLC of Gaithersburg, Md., expires June 30. Bids are due by April 30 on the district’s solicitation for a Food Services Management Co. – with and without the current cafeteria workers included in the bid offers.
Board President Rich Martino said the cafeteria workers are not included in the current Sodexo contract, and are not currently managed by a Food Service Manager.
“No one is really managing them [the cafeteria workers],” said Martino during a phone interview in March. “We want the company [that is selected by the school board] to have full responsibility for the employees. If Sodexo is awarded the contract, they could hire them.
“If the cafeteria workers remain district employees, we would need to hire a food service manager,” he said.
Martino said in March that the business office and district administration are evaluating and negotiating all of the options and the associated costs, including the best food quality “conducive to the kids,” food costs, and “researching what is the best option for us.”
The board listened to the cafeteria workers and their supporters Monday but took no action on the matter.
In other business, the board accepted the resignation of district Superintendent Marybeth Torchia, effective June 30.
Torchia submitted her letter of resignation on April 15 in order to accept the position as director of special education in the Boyertown Area School District.
“I wish Mrs. Torchia luck in her career and life beyond Daniel Boone,” said board member Andrew Basile, adding, “You have helped us out a lot while at Daniel Boone. We wish you well.”
Torchia was previously assistant superintendent and was appointed as superintendent in March 2014 to replace Gary L. Otto, who retired in December 2013.
The board unanimously approved hiring the nationwide school executive search firm Ray and Associates Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at a rate of $6,000, to conduct the new superintendent search.
