Chartwells settles whistleblower lawsuit re DCPS food

[Anonymous]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-food-vendor-pays-19-million-to-settle-whistleblower-lawsuit/2015/06/05/bae8dd3c-0b96-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html

"Chartwells, the largest food vendor for the District’s public school system, has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the North Carolina-based company overcharged the city and mismanaged its school meal programs, with food often arriving to schools late, spoiled or in short supply."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-food-vendor-pays-19-million-to-settle-whistleblower-lawsuit/2015/06/05/bae8dd3c-0b96-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html

"Chartwells, the largest food vendor for the District’s public school system, has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the North Carolina-based company overcharged the city and mismanaged its school meal programs, with food often arriving to schools late, spoiled or in short supply."

hilarious -- so DCPS fired the whistleblower who ultimately allowed the District to win a $19 mil settlement based on his whistleblowing. Paying him $450K as a settlement seems like a bargain. Isn't there a reward for federal whistleblowers that allows them to make a percentage of the net amount recouped?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-food-vendor-pays-19-million-to-settle-whistleblower-lawsuit/2015/06/05/bae8dd3c-0b96-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html

"Chartwells, the largest food vendor for the District’s public school system, has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the North Carolina-based company overcharged the city and mismanaged its school meal programs, with food often arriving to schools late, spoiled or in short supply."

hilarious -- so DCPS fired the whistleblower who ultimately allowed the District to win a $19 mil settlement based on his whistleblowing. Paying him $450K as a settlement seems like a bargain. Isn't there a reward for federal whistleblowers that allows them to make a percentage of the net amount recouped?

According to the article, he could make 30% of the settlement.

He sounds like he was one of the most competent people in central office. Really a shame that he's not there. Not surprised at all, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-food-vendor-pays-19-million-to-settle-whistleblower-lawsuit/2015/06/05/bae8dd3c-0b96-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html

"Chartwells, the largest food vendor for the District’s public school system, has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the North Carolina-based company overcharged the city and mismanaged its school meal programs, with food often arriving to schools late, spoiled or in short supply."

hilarious -- so DCPS fired the whistleblower who ultimately allowed the District to win a $19 mil settlement based on his whistleblowing. Paying him $450K as a settlement seems like a bargain. Isn't there a reward for federal whistleblowers that allows them to make a percentage of the net amount recouped?

According to the article, he could make 30% of the settlement.

He sounds like he was one of the most competent people in central office. Really a shame that he's not there. Not surprised at all, though.

the best thing about Chartwells is the leverage it gives me with my kids for a credible ultimatum -- 'eat your fruit and vegetables from home or your getting school lunch tomorrow'. 4 years in DCPS with Chartwells and have yet to buy lunch once.

[Anonymous]

I use it as a threat too. They CRY when I threaten. Heartbreaking for the kids that don't have a choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-food-vendor-pays-19-million-to-settle-whistleblower-lawsuit/2015/06/05/bae8dd3c-0b96-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html

"Chartwells, the largest food vendor for the District’s public school system, has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that the North Carolina-based company overcharged the city and mismanaged its school meal programs, with food often arriving to schools late, spoiled or in short supply."

hilarious -- so DCPS fired the whistleblower who ultimately allowed the District to win a $19 mil settlement based on his whistleblowing. Paying him $450K as a settlement seems like a bargain. Isn't there a reward for federal whistleblowers that allows them to make a percentage of the net amount recouped?

These speaks loads to Kaya Henderson's culture of put up or shut up.

[Anonymous]

Im disappointed with Racine in all this. If he talked to just about any parent in my school he would know that the quality of the meals has declined significantly and chartwells contract should be voided.

[Anonymous]

The Attorney General's complaint filed in Court is posted on www.phillipsandcohen.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Im disappointed with Racine in all this. If he talked to just about any parent in my school he would know that the quality of the meals has declined significantly and chartwells contract should be voided.

I don't know about the food quality but it is nuts to keep on a fraudulent contractor like this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Im disappointed with Racine in all this. If he talked to just about any parent in my school he would know that the quality of the meals has declined significantly and chartwells contract should be voided.

I don't know about the food quality but it is nuts to keep on a fraudulent contractor like this!

Totally nuts, but truly no surprise for DC to do that.

[Anonymous]

For Henderson to stay on, she must be completely selling out to "the powers that be."

The Post wrote a glowing (as usual) editorial about how great the schools are doing - based on no evidence.

[Anonymous]

My newest favorite twitter handle, naming names:

Unsuck DCPS @UnsuckDCPS
@SadieBBarr Whistle blower Jeff Mills (fired by @HendersonKaya) wanted to improve quality, source all food locally. @cmdgrosso @marycheh

http://twitter.com/UnsuckDCPS

[Anonymous]

OP here - thank you for posting that Twitter handle! I am now following.

[Anonymous]

Was Kaya actually the one who made the decision to fire him? The Post article is maddeningly vague, they seem to have a real aversion to naming names. Name and shame!

[Anonymous]

Please send an email to your Councilmember and to Bowser's office to manifest your disagreement with DCPS's decision to continue until 2017 with a food vendor which has agreed to settle (for 19 millions!) for delivering food to our kids late, in spoiled conditions or short supply.