by Shawn Nowlin
When it comes to Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) there is a belief that for the “less powerful” to reign victorious against “the system” on highly favored issues a level of controversy must be attached to it. One current example involves food service workers throughout RCPS in jeopardy of losing their jobs due to the RCPS Board’s plan to privatize all of the schools in the district. The Roanoke Education Association (REA) and Virginia Education Association (VEA) are both adamantly against the proposal.
By definition privatization means “the process of transferring ownership of a business, enterprise, agency public service or public property from the public sector (a government) to the private sector.” According to multiple reports a contract is being negotiated with one of three companies – Aramark, Sodexo and Chartwells – who have asked to take over the city school’s food services.
A public meeting titled “Stop Food Service Privatization” was recently held to give all parties involved – including board members who were present – an opportunity to voice their perspectives on the controversy issue. Every meal that the schools provide must meet specific nutritional standards set by the Federal Department of Agriculture. Every RCPS food service manager meets regularly to go over ideas and pitch suggestions. “I am happy with the way things are. DO NOT change it”, said one food service manager.
Despite being in the vast minority, some are completely on board with the privatization of the school system. They claim that by doing so it will have tremendous long term implications. Some food service workers painted vivid pictures to put things in its proper perspective. As it turns out not only do they received very little pay; they also have no benefits and can only get part time hours. Roanoke Superintendent Rita Bishop has stated that outsourcing food services can happen with jobs still being protected but to most her words have falling on deaf ears.
Council member Sherman Lea Sr. said, “40 cents of your dollar goes to schools. I am here to get a feel for how you all are feeling. This is very close to me because I have a son who is a member of Roanoke Education Association.” It was apparent from the start that a consensus compromise would require work but collectively a lot of viewpoints got expressed in about a two-hour time span.
Local leaders who chose to make profits over what’s in the best interest for the vast majority quickly lose favor within the community. Credibility matters and once local constituents feel that it no longer applies it is hard to regain that trust again.
When the school board made it clear of their privatization proposal it was inevitable that a negative backlash would occur. “Public trust is important. Nurses, bus drivers, substitutes – now cafeteria workers. What’s next? Maybe the next campaign is elected school board officials”, VEA Executive Director Philip Forgit said. “We need you at the school board meetings this is about public trust over profits. We are available to help you. There is a call to action and that is to hold school board accountable.” Ultimately how much gets accomplished will depend on the parties involved and their willingness to focus on the long term goals. If the school board’s plan is fully implemented the results could be devastating for countless current RCPS employees, parents and students. Research from the Virginia’s Department of Education shows that only “10 out of 132 districts” are outsourcing food services through this school year.
