Computers can be good and bad for the environment; one can maximize the good and minimize the bad. When dealing with environmental issues, it's difficult to ignore the computing infrastructure. With an operations carbon footprint equal to the airline industry's, computer energy use is only part of the problem; everyone is also dealing with the use…

In 1999, 36% of schools reported that they used portable classrooms and 20% reported that they created temporary instructional spaces, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Portable classrooms will most certainly continue to be used temporarily to bridge the gap between immediate need and availability of construction funding.…

Since July 2007, members of the Association of School Business Officials of Maryland and the District of Columbia have been able to shop for school and curriculum-related supplies through the ASBO MD/DC Web-based shopping platform. This shopping platform comprises 35 catalogs with more than 450,000 line items offered by 225 vendors. ASBO MD/DC's…

Competitive bids and the bid-opening process are the cornerstones of public school purchasing. The bid-opening process does not begin on the day of the bid opening. It begins with good planning by the purchasing agent to ensure that the advertised bid complies with the public school contracts law. In New Jersey, that raises the following…

School districts need adequate financial resources to purchase hardware and software, wire their buildings to network computers and other information and communication devices, and connect to the Internet to provide students, teachers, and other school personnel with adequate access to technology. Computers and other peripherals, particularly,…

Thirteen suggestions for the educational community on how to get better service and save money when ordering books. (JF)

Before purchasing word processing equipment, school business officials should develop a study team to assess current and future needs. Communication with personnel involved is essential for the acceptance of both the study and the word processing equipment. (Author/MLF)

The growing popularity of video cassette recorders (VCR) and video cameras is opening up new frontiers in communications and entertainment. A glossary of the most commonly used video terms was compiled to aid in the informed selection of a VCR system. (Author/MLF)

Outlines the detailed tasks involved in development of specifications for purchasing requirements. Includes forms of open specifications, basic content, group terms, measurements, and the wording of specifications. (MD)

Changes in the insurance market combined with reduction in financial support make it an ideal time for educators to look at alternative approaches to purchasing insurance. The advantages and disadvantages of three approaches are analyzed. Net bidding is the most effective. (MD)

Several suburban Chicago (Illinois) school districts are members of the South Suburban School Purchasing Cooperative, which serves as a conduit for volume purchases of educational supplies. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the requirements of a typical bidding statute and explores the ramifications of the U.S. Supreme Court's "City of Richmond v. Crosan Company" decision for minority business (MBE) set-aside programs. School districts with MBE set-aside plans should determine whether these plans are constitutionally sufficient before beginning a…

Discusses the role of the purchasing agent in relation to the school management team and its importance in maintaining a high level of quality in education. (MD)

The Schoolwriter is a typewriter available at nearly half the price of competing machines. Schools in Minnesota and Maryland have purchased it for classroom machines and have had substantial savings. (MD)

A school superintendent has the responsibility to ensure that school district purchasing is handled legally and to the benefit of the district. (Author/MLF)