Fiscal Practices Seek bids and compare pricing for all purchases. Not generally sought by large suppliers, small school systems tend to remain loyal to their current suppliers. Using a bidding process, distrsicts can generate substantial savings, especially when all schools in the district consolidate their bid requests. Even greater savings may be realized when several districts unite in such a process. Many regional education service agencies and some state departments of education provide this service.
Suppliers are also very sensitive to comparison pricing.
Pay all bills promptly where discounts are available. Some vendors provide a discount for prompt payment. The district s finance office may have to obtain special permission from the governing board to allow timely payments where discounts apply. Be aggressive in energy conservation measures. Utilities are typically a high-cost area for smaller districts, particularly those with older facilities, which are often energy wasters.