West Cook News

The Township High School District 208 Board of Education has recommended renewing its contract for vending machine services at Riverside Brookfield High School. 

The vending machines currently at the high school have been operated and maintained by the company Canteen for the last five years. 

"As many of you know, we have vending machines by the main gym pool field house area down over there," Dr. Kristin Smetana, assistant superintendent, said during the Feb. 13 board meeting. "Those are turned off during the school day and also closed by gate so students can access them before and after school as well as on the weekends for events and rentals."

The current contract is set to expire in July. The district previously looked at other companies for this service, but only received one response and that was priced higher for less services. The board recommended renewing the contract with Canteen, which would also include six new machines to replace older ones at no extra cost to the district. 

Smetana said the district does have a say in what goes into the vending machines, so if something isn't popular among students or the community doesn't approve of an item, the district can ask Canteen to remove it from the machines. Some items are restricted, including some kinds of energy drinks and beverages in glass bottles. The board suggested making a committee to help decide what goes into the machines. 

The machines are turned off and gated during the school day and while concession stands are open. There has been some issues with students trying to reach through the gate to use the machines during the school day. The district also receives about 30% of the sales which comes in between $16,000-$19,000 a year.