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Update: In a second letter to the D.C. Council, Chartwells president Rhonna Cass made it clear that the company would not leave the system without a solution for food service in place. “While we would prefer to exit prior to the fall term, it is our intent to continue providing service until DCPS identifies a new foodservice provider,” she wrote. “We hope this alleviates some concerns in this area.”

Original:

Chartwells Dining Services, D.C. Public Schools’ main food services provider since 2008, up and quit today. If nothing else, you can call it a striking reminder of the power of both whistleblowers and a strong local press.

“Recently, it has become clear to us that we are no longer a valued partner to DCPS,” Chartwells president Rhonna Cass, said in a letter submitted to the D.C. Council today. “As such, we think the best course is for us to exit the contract and allow DCPS to move forward in another direction.”

The vendor agreed to pay $19.4 million last month to settle a lawsuit brought by former DCPS food services director Jeffrey Mills, but they admitted no wrongdoing in the case.

Still, a recent Washington City Paper cover story chronicled the allegations of mismanagement in deep detail.

“Hunger Games: Jeff Mills’ whistleblower suit revealed rotting food, fraud, and millions of dollars lost,” the paper’s headline blared. “Why is DCPS renewing its contract with Chartwells?

Although Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) filed a disapproval resolution to continue reviewing the contract, the D.C. Council was widely expected to approve it for the 2015-2016 school year today. At-Large Councilmember David Grosso, chair of the Committee on Education, had argued that continuity through the upcoming school year was paramount.

“I don’t think we have enough money to get us through the summer, and without a contract we definitely don’t have enough to get us through 2015-2016,” Grosso told the City Paper. “What, do you tell Chartwells they’re not wanted anymore? Then what?”

Turns out, we’ll find out.