Study finds most districts leave apparel decisions to schools; Cherokee staff outline next steps for stakeholder input
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Summary
A district‑commissioned study presented May 15 found that 4 of 26 surveyed districts use districtwide apparel exclusivity; most districts leave athletics apparel decisions to local schools. Board members discussed polling athletic directors and coaches before any RFP or districtwide approach.
Dr. Murdock presented a district research study on May 15 examining districtwide exclusive apparel contracts and vendor arrangements. The study surveyed 26 districts and found that four—Atlanta Public Schools, Bibb County, Fulton County and Newton County—use districtwide exclusivity; the remaining districts in the sample generally let local schools manage apparel purchases.
Dr. Murdock said the study showed a mix of approaches: “Of those 4 districts with exclusivity contracts, 3 have contracts with vendors, which offer exclusivity with a brand, and 1 with a direct agreement with apparel brand, all determined through a RFP process,” she said. She added, “This is also the model that CPSD is currently using,” language used in the presentation to describe the district’s existing local‑management approach.
Board members discussed possible next steps, including polling athletic directors and coaches and engaging stakeholders (parents and booster organizations) to understand interest and potential benefits. Several board members suggested that if the district were to consider a districtwide approach, the next steps would include stakeholder polling and, if appropriate, issuing an RFP to solicit vendor proposals.
Discussion versus decision: the presentation was informational and included discussion of options; no formal board policy decision or contract award was made during the work session.
Next steps: board members requested staff follow up with athletic directors and coaches and return with stakeholder input before any formal procurement or policy recommendation.
