Hingham School Committee Approves Food Service Contract, Advances Electric Bus Plans

New agreement includes wage increases, performance bonus

HINGHAM, MA - November 18 - The Hingham School Committee has approved a one-year contract with the Food Service Association for the 2024-2025 school year, introducing wage increases and a restructured bonus system. The committee also moved forward with plans to introduce electric school buses, receiving a 90-day extension from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the initiative.

The food service contract, approved unanimously, aims to attract and retain staff in the department. Member Kerry Ni, who presented the negotiated terms, highlighted the collaborative process with the union.

"We have a tentative agreement between the Food Services Union and the School Committee on a one-year contract," Ni said. "This was done at the union's request, because they're reorganizing themselves."

Key changes in the contract include increased wages at all levels, including managers and assistant managers, to align with competitive market rates. The agreement also restructures the bonus system, shifting from a participation-based model to a performance-based one.

"We restructured the bonus, so the old bonus was a participation bonus, but with now free lunches for everyone, it doesn't really make sense. So this will be a performance bonus instead," Ni explained.

The contract defines the work year as 182 days, comprising the student school year plus two additional days at the beginning of the year. Ni emphasized the importance of the food service staff, stating, "Our students aren't going to be able to learn if they aren't fed and nourished."

In a separate development, the committee discussed progress on the electric school bus initiative. Aisha Oppong, Executive Director of Business & Support Services, presenting the update, reported that the district has received a 90-day extension from the EPA for the project.

"We did get a 90-day extension, but the extension was only for 90 days. And we have to continue requesting an extension every period until we get to April," Oppong said.

The district is preparing to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a vendor for the electric bus project. This process is necessary despite previous work with Highland Capital, as the district must follow proper procurement procedures.

"We have to go out to bid on that and then to decide on who will actually be received, who will be the vendor who will move forward and provide those services to us," Oppong explained.

The RFP will request pricing examples for different contract lengths, likely including both five-year and seven-year options. Oppong indicated that based on initial pricing from Highland Capital, a seven-year contract might be the most favorable option.

"So far from the initial pricing that we've seen from Highland, it looks like seven years may be the best to move forward with, but I think we should wait until we've chosen a vendor and we've seen everything that's out there," She said.

The committee also noted recent changes in state regulations that could impact the project. Member Jen Benham pointed out, "Well, it was October they announced the extension for the CARB Act. We thought it was going to be 2025, and they extended that to 2026."