Report gives committee food for thought
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Staff Reporter

Ashburnham - Westminster Regional School Committee members received the first part of a report on the food service department as they prepare to make changes to increase revenue into the department.

Frank Colvario, a consultant for the district, prepared a comprehensive report on the food service program that includes suggestions on how to stop the program from running a deficit for another year.

"I thought it was important to bring a set of new eyes," Superintendent Michael Zapantis said.

Colvario will return to answer committee questions on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

The goal is that the program does become self-sustaining and Colvario has been working with Zapantis, Sherry Kersey and Food Service Director Vic Pulnik.

Colvario said one of the major changes that needs to be made is a contract item allowing employees to be paid for unused vacation time. He said that is costing the food service program a lot of money.

The other major costs to the program are health insurance and the annual assessments for the cost of utilities and custodial services. Other items affecting revenue are the number of vending machines, the lack of adult support and competition from programs such as special education selling other food items in the buildings.

"It [involves] something that is not part of the food service department," Colvario said. "You have to decide how you want to deal with that."

He added that there is a very minimal amount of adult staff members or other community members who eat in the cafeterias.

This point raised questions from the committee.

"If there are a few bucks to be made [serving adults]" it should be considered," said committee member Lenny Beaton. "How do you fence it off is the question."

Colvario said the district has to focus on the students and the staff as customers and valued clients.

"I'm talking about things that take time and take effort," he said.

In other business:

+ Zapantis announced that the district has received five gifts to close the $6,500 gap between the cost of the new turf for the athletic field and the budgeted amount.

The Oakmont-Overlook Music Parents Association ($1,000), the Oakmont Pop Warner program ($1,000), the Oakmont Athletic Boosters Club ($4,000), Anderson Timber Harvesting of Westminster and Brian's Equipment Repair Inc. of Westminster (each giving $250) have all made donations.

"Once we sign the contract we can start negotiations on that first alternate [option], which would upgrade the turf," Zapantis said.

The upgraded turf would last 15 to 20 years, and other alternates that were part of the original bids are also being considered if additional donations come in.

Beaton suggested some of the additional donations could be placed in a maintenance fund.

+ Committee members approved the timeline and the goals for the upcoming budget cycle.

Beaton said it might be a tough budget this year with the teachers' contract up for renewal, the bus contract going out to bid and high utility costs. He said he would like to have everyone invited to be part of the process as early as possible.

The first budget presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 16.

+ Committee member Ellen Holmes said the district might need to try to focus on providing extra support for students in families that aren't typically considered military families - such as those with members in the National Guard and the military reserves. She said sometimes families are hesitant to approach the schools.