Assignment Five

The Middlesburgh, Ohio Board of education was accused of violating state code by buying milk for the school cafeteria program without taking bids

Karen A. Borchard, Home Economist for the Ohio Department of Education told the school board it had to seek bids from dairy companies before purchasing milk for the school system. If the school board did not take offers and buy from the lowest, it risked losing its $365,000 state lunch grant.

The school board had been buying milk from the local company, Clover Dairy, which is best known for its too strong billboards.

Before the meeting adjourned, Harlan E. Ellsworth, president of the school board addressed Borchard. “I object strenuously to this dictatorial attitude of the Ohio Department of Education. We buy milk from Clover because it's the best available product for the best price. Besides, it's a local concern and deserves the business more than an outside chain,” he said.

The school board adjourned without taking action. A special meeting will be called next week to discuss the milk issue.