By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The USD 428 Board of Education had to answer a generations-old question during Monday's meeting: Pepsi or Coca-Cola? The Great Bend district's five-year contract with Pepsi will expire in May. Great Bend High School Activities Director Matt Westerhaus did some of the legwork behind the decision and presented the issue to the board.
"Our recommendation would be to move with Coke for the next five-year period," he said. "I think having a local person would be nice to work with on a daily basis."
Per proposals submitted by both companies, Coca-Cola offered cheaper drinks, including a $1.75 price tag on 20-ounce carbonated drinks, water, and Powerade. Pepsi prices were $2.00 for similar items. Coca-Cola also offered a $1 rebate on each case purchased. The district will also receive eight percent more commission on sales of Coca-Cola products than it would Pepsi products. Coca-Cola will raise its vending rate $0.25 after year three versus $0.25 vending increases in years two and four for Pepsi.
"If you've noticed at our concessions lately, we've moved to a point-of-sale system at the high school, which has been super nice," Westerhaus said. "It allows us to track what we are using or selling on a consistent basis and allows us to use credit cards and debit cards."
The board approved the change with a 6-0 vote. Dr. Pepper products will be available under the new contract.