This guide provides practical, actionable information intended to help both technical personnel and educational leaders navigate the many decisions required to deliver broadband connectivity to students. It presents a variety of options for school and district leaders to consider when making technology infrastructure decisions, recognizing that…

To provide students with the education they need to thrive in a globally connected world, schools and school districts need to find ways to design, fund, acquire, and maintain the infrastructure that will make connectivity a reality for every teacher and student in every classroom. The U.S. Department of Education's National Educational Technology…

This study contends that one area rich for reform and cost-saving opportunities is college and university procurement--the billions of dollars public institutions spend annually to purchase goods and services. While considerable cost savings may be realized in the reform of current procurement practices, these practices are largely shaped by state…

Recommends a planning process for purchase of a bookmobile which includes the following stages: (1) determination of the criteria for selection; (2) review of the alternatives to arrive at a statement of specifications; (3) requests for bids; and (4) a scheme for evaluating bids. A directory of 12 manufacturers is included. (2 references) (MES)

Describes letters of credit and their usefulness in financing computer systems acquisition. Relevant legal policies and the different types and applications of letters of credit are discussed. (1 reference) (MES)

Criteria for selecting administrative computer hardware are provided. (MCG)

Reviews the status of microcomputers in schools, particularly elementary schools, as revealed in a January 1983 survey of 2,209 elementary and secondary institutions. Considers the extent of computer use and availability, characteristics of computer purchasers, funding sources, computer location and its impact, and the value of computers to…

Two ideas for helping in the selection of school reading materials include an annual Reading Exposition and Materials Fair, and developing a checklist for judging material. A sample checklist is provided. (MD)

Discusses trends and changes in hardware production. For example Sinclair/Timex has stopped mass marketing its computers while others (such as the IBM junior) has finally made its appearance. Strongly advises schools to re-evaluate their hardware purchasing programs in light of these and other changes. (JN)

Describes the savings a cooperative group of school systems were able to make when purchasing services and supplies as a group. It includes 15 school systems and has been in existence for 12 years. Includes a brief article explaining why school systems may not find cooperative buying to their advantage. (MD)

This article describes the benefits one gets when big schools roll out highly effective eProcurement systems--strategic improvements and savings. eProcurement systems are hot again in higher education, driven by unrelenting cost containment demands, along with industry shifts that have consolidated choices and brought top products to the…

A field contract is a two-party contractual agreement intended for procuring material and labor from outside contractors. As used in the Burbank California Unified School District, the field contract allows greater flexibility than the formal bidding process. The type of documents and procedures used in the district are included. (MLF)

Schools can launch energy conservation programs with simple money-saving measures like improving boiler maintenance, recalibrating utility meters, and obtaining preferred utility rates. Becoming more assertive in the marketplace and using "creative financing" when needed, they can then reinvest their savings in more extensive projects. (MCG)

Outlines the possibilities for savings when using cooperative agencies for purchasing school supplies and services. (MD)

A principal offers school administrators advice on computerizing their offices. Necessary characteristics of computer hardware and software are described. (MLF)