Board urges local purchasing review after large Amazon spend; staff cite procurement and P-card constraints

A board member raised concern Aug. 12 about the volume of district purchases made through Amazon during May, June and July and asked whether more of that spending could be redirected to local businesses. The board member said Amazon spending in the period ranged from roughly $200,000 to $400,000 per month and suggested the district should buy locally when practical. District staff acknowledged the concern, told the board they would address the issue with building principals at the next administrative meeting and explained two procurement constraints: (1) some local vendors no longer accept purchase orders and require immediate payment, and (2) the district's procurement rules can require purchase orders for larger purchases. Staff suggested expanding P-card (procurement card) holders at schools or routing more items through the district supply warehouse as potential solutions. Why it matters: moving district spending back into local businesses can support community vendors and keep dollars circulating in the local economy. District staff said they will examine procurement practices, card usage and the supply-warehouse process to identify feasible changes.