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)

E-commerce is coming slowly to education, but some curious school purchasing officials are clicking on vendors' web sites. Pioneering districts include the Chicago, Detroit, and El Dorado (California) public schools. Vendors include Boise Cascade and Office Depot. Some vendors are joining institutional exchanges like Commerce One or marketing…