Suggest paperback textbooks - less cost to students and easier to replace. Even if you are registered in the district as a vendor, you are not notified of opportunities in your area. You have to know someone. It has improved, but many times the answers are not there. They should have computer access to status.
Time is money.
Make those who drop the ball accountable. To be cost effective, standardized textbooks should be selected and all schools should get the same books for each grade level. An audit should be made of the textbook purchases and the textbook companies that are always favored. Children should have a book issued to them, not shared. Contract bidding should be highly accountable by school board.