Benchmarking against similar districts, ideally higher-performing ones, can be a valuable tool for determining the appropriate level of central-office investment. Unfortunately, reliable benchmarks on district spending in teaching and learning support are not readily available. This should not preclude districts from using this valuable method to…

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)

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…

The purchasing professional's role involves the development of purchasing-program strategies that include the following: (1) product research and evaluation; (2) supplier sourcing; (3) procurement and pricing alternatives; (4) contract administration; (5) systems design and administration; and (6) strategic planning. (MLF)

The primary objective of the purchasing specification is to provide an accurate basis for obtaining a product or service that will satisfy a particular need at a reasonable cost. Describes material vs. performance specifications and brand-name or equal specifications. (MLF)

A central food service production facility combined with a central warehouse and commissary has been financially effective in Dayton, Ohio. (MLF)

Punitive damages are almost commonplace with multimillion dollar awards occurring monthly. Survey responses from 190 secondary school principals and 290 school attorneys indicate that schools have a serious problem. Concerns about liability and its costs have caused a change in school programs. Lists four tort reform measures that would be helpful…

An Illinois pooled investment program provides a comprehensive money management service for schools at the lowest possible cost. By pooling the dollar needs of both large and small borrowers, interest rates are reduced. (MLF)

Financing enables school districts to operate new buses when funds for outright purchase are not available. This article examines reasons, sources, and pitfalls of school bus financing. (MLF)

Service contracts with the private sector can help school districts remain flexible in responding to change. However, a comprehensive analysis is required for each particular situation. (MLF)

Changes in the marketing and management of a Pennsylvania food service program made it more attractive to students. An increase in student participation and operational efficiency yielded profitability in food service operations. (MLF)

Schools can reallocate obsolete computers to an appropriate use rather than selling them. Districts have upgraded their microcomputers, shifted them down to primary grades, and used them in school libraries. (MLF)

Describes New York State's experience with school district tax limits in urban districts serving less than 125,000. Originally designed to protect taxpayers, these tax limits have spawned a costly state aid system that raises serious equity issues. Recent legislation removed tax limits and made state aid more equitable. (32 references) (MLH)

Life cycle costing establishes a realistic comparison of the cost of owning and operating products. The formula of initial cost plus maintenance plus operation divided by useful life identifies the best price over the lifetime of the product purchased. (MLF)

Findings from four studies reveal that: administrators enjoy the deregulation of Chapter 2 but are concerned about audits and evaluation; a wide variety of fund distribution formulas exists; expenditures were heavy for computers; and private school participation has increased. (MLF)