Purchase items for function and adaptability. As a member of last year's textbook committee, I saw much waste. State should narrow down selection. It was terrible. Contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, then contractors jack up the price through cost overruns.
Board members play favorites like city commissioners and award bids to friends.
Even when proper procedure is followed in choosing the low bidder, good quality of items is needed. Elect a complete new board. Subcontracting gets rid of all the useless personnel. There should be enough money available to purchase the necessary number of textbooks to be able to carry an effective class. Give the money to the schools and let them purchase the products appropriate to their needs.