Offers guidelines and a checklist to use when buying a computer. (WD)

Most districts rely on competitive bidding for purchases, bypassing it only for low-cost items. The process involves writing specifications, sending them to (carefully selected) prospective bidders. Sealed bids are usually opened at public meetings; administrators can recommend who gets the contract, but school boards usually have final say. (MLH)

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)

A review of new play and athletic equipment. (JF)

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)

Superintendents in two states agree that the problems with new buses are caused by a lack of quality control in the manufacturing process, problems with communication and delivery between chassis and body manufacturers, unavailable replacement parts, and difficult access to dealerships for inspection and service. (Author/IRT)

Recent events in Florida, California, and other states suggest that school equipment purchasing is fraught with scandal and risk. This article recommends putting district policies in writing, carefully selecting bidders, timing bids to avoid peak periods, and resisting personalized incentives. Sidebars detail model purchasing guidelines and…

To reduce the chance of buying computer lemons, school system purchasing offices should devise and issue their own specifications for prospective vendors. Specs should include both general and specific requirements for microcomputers, drives, and monitors; maintenance and repair services; and delivery and performance testing. A sidebar outlines…

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

Seventeen important things to keep in mind when considering the purchase of athletic, gym, and playground equipment. (Author)

Describes school purchasing process, examples of illegal or wasteful purchasing activities, a concise ethical guide to school purchasing excerpted from the Texas Agency's Financial Accountability System Resource Guide, and suggestions from experts on how schools can ensure legal and ethical purchasing practices. (PKP)

Describes the advantages and disadvantages of group purchasing. Forty-seven states have laws allowing group purchasing. Includes examples of group purchasing arrangements in Washington, California, New Mexico, and Kentucky. (PKP)

Recent events in the Milwaukee (Wisconsin) public schools show how purchasing practices can get out of hand--especially in the high-stakes educational technology market. Before a temporary freeze on purchasing, teachers and principals were under siege by vendors bypassing the district's central purchasing program. A new policy governing…