Southborough School Committee Reorganizes, Renews Whitsons Food Contract for 2026-27

SOUTHBOROUGH -- May 13, 2026, Southborough School Committee reorganizes and renews its food services contract with Whitsons Culinary Group for 2026-27. Chelsea Malinowski was unanimously elected chair, with Laura Coffin as vice chair and newly elected member Kelly Coffin as secretary. The committee voted unanimously to extend the Whitsons contract at a 3.9 percent rate increase tied to the consumer price index, raising the management fee to 12.1 cents per meal, despite the program posting a net loss of approximately $58,939 through three quarters of fiscal year 2026, driven largely by a one-time health insurance cost of about $57,900 and new administrative staffing. Food services director Keith noted the contract's guaranteed return provision requires Whitsons to cover any shortfall below a $19,312 surplus, and warned the committee would formally evaluate the relationship in December 2026. The district also received $201,400.47 in state circuit breaker relief after demonstrating that FY26 special education expenses exceeded the prior year by 25 percent, and bids for the voter-approved Neary School roof project are due May 22nd.