Describes one Kansas school district's efforts to connect all the classrooms in 23 schools through computers, and to do so with wiring that would not become overburdened. The decision-making process to use fiber optics is examined. (GR)

Provides advice on how school districts might reduce energy costs in an era of electric industry deregulation. The competitive environment is described along with suggestions about joining purchasing groups to achieve pricing discounts. Final comments reveal the importance of energy contract negotiation. (GR)

Explains how proper carpet installation can add to carpet life; includes tips to consider before signing a carpet-installation purchasing agreement that can make the new carpet a better investment. Topics cover how color selection lengthens appearance life, the need for moisture testing, the importance of carpet seams in the purchasing process,…

Presents product information and a suppliers' directory for school purchasing managers for the year 2000, including a detailed product showcase and case histories and a section on descriptions of free brochures, pamphlets, and guides from key suppliers. An advertiser index concludes the issue. (GR)

Presents basic considerations when school districts plan to acquire an access-control system for their education facilities. Topics cover cards and readers, controllers, software, automation, card technology, expandability, price, specification of needs beyond the canned specifications already supplied, and proper usage training to cardholders.…

Describes how one school district installed a high-speed data-network infrastructure that included a free telephone system and video. The asynchronous transfer mode system chosen by the school district is described, along with its telephone and video components. (GR)

Examines the integration of basic school communications technologies into single systems that allow for a growth path into the Internet and for sophisticated media retrieval. Descriptions and benefits of these systems for two school districts are discussed. (GR)

Describes the process behind health-plan selection for school district employees and offers suggestions on how managers might enhance their current healthcare plan purchasing process. Areas of health-plan review and critique are listed as are tips for measuring plan performance and advice on acquiring backup data on plan quality. (GR)

Discusses how to avoid costly mistakes when buying facility-management software. Provides answers to questions buyers should ask before committing funds to a particular program. Selected facility-management software companies and product profiles are highlighted. (GR)

An electronic requisition and purchase-order system helps Louisville's schools stay legal and efficient. Designated individuals in schools create requisitions electronically and route them to the purchasing department, which generates and sends out paper purchase orders after checking the requisitions for correctness and legality. (MLF)

In buying school supplies and roofing, school districts need to realize that low bid too often equates to low quality, high maintenance, poor performance, and short life. The key is to write bid specifications that look at the life-cycle cost, not just the initial cost. (MLF)

Examines the physical health risks attributed to poor furniture and equipment ergonomics and looks at ways to help assure that furniture and equipment purchases and practices are ergonomically sound. Cautions to be wary wary of marketing hype that a company's furniture is ergonomically set, and acquire adjustable furniture and encourage students…

Presents an alphabetical product index; a listing of products and services, along with the companies that supply them; descriptions of free-brochures and other material from key suppliers; a detailed examination of product information; and a directory of educational-related associations. Supplier and article indexes conclude the guide. (GR)

Discusses how one New Mexico school district weighed the choices in selecting and purchasing computer furniture for its classrooms. The purchasing process is described, as well as the types of, and reasons for, the furniture bought. (GR)

Provides tips on choosing a school heating/ventilation and air-conditioning system that meets a school's needs and budget. Discusses how to assess a school's needs and offers suggestions for making the final decision. Data tables are provided that compare various systems, including costs, maintenance, and life expectancy. (GR)