The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires all states to report school-level spending data. This fall, the Department of Education released the first round of data on per-pupil expenditure as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). As states continue to release new spending data, it will be possible for a variety of stakeholders 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)

Cost control is the subject of this eight-lesson, three-test food service training manual. Lesson 1 deals with financial accountability and includes 17 handouts, ranging from sample balance to quarterly report sheets. Lesson 2 focuses on budgeting principles, and lesson 3 on labor controls. Professional purchasing, receiving, and inventorying…

Briefly discusses strategies for cutting the cost of purchasing school supplies, stressing the potential advantages of cooperative buying groups and of purchasing supplies directly from the manufacturer whenever possible. (JG)

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…

State regulations allow public school districts outside of New York City to apply for Building Aid on leasing costs involving instructional facilities for grades Pre-K through 12 located off school district property. This guide explains how the districts should proceed when applying for Building Aid on leased facilities. Attached is the…

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)

By contracting some of the tasks, hiring part-time employees and a specialist to oversee a preventive maintenance program, and making other cost-saving decisions, it is possible to save a large amount of the school district's funds. (Author/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)