State organization honors EPISD procurement practices
(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT -- Feb. 13, 2019) — EPISD for a third straight year received the 2019 Texas Association of School Business Officials Award of Merit for Purchasing and Operations with Recognized Status recognizing the District’s commitment to professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services using taxpayer’s money.
The TASBO Award honors a school district’s achievement in implementing best practices in the area of purchasing and operations.
In determining Award of Merit designees, TASBO reviewed various procedures and practices including organization, policies and procedures, contract operations, staff training and certification, use of technology, communication and management of co-operative programs, and warehousing.
“The receipt of the 2019 TASBO Purchasing Award of Merit for the third consecutive year demonstrates EPISD’s continued commitment to financial responsibility,” said Ron Gatlin, district’s executive director of procurement services. “I am incredibly proud of our procurement and warehouse operations staff and their continual focus on maintaining good stewardship over the community’s tax dollars.”
Well-run school districts are pivotal in maximizing resources for more than 5 million school children in Texas. TASBO recognizes this challenge and offers individual and organizational honors through Commitment to Excellence and Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations.
A reception for the members of the EPISD Procurement Services Department, along with other Award of Merit recipients, will be held during the TASBO Annual Conference on March 7 in San Antonio.
The design of the award allows any size district to compete for recognition in this field. Much of the award’s emphasis is based on the Best Practices in Purchasing as identified by the Legislative Budget Board during the Texas School Performance Review process, and on the Purchasing Module in the Management Section of the Financial Accountability System Resource Guide published by the Texas Education Agency.
The TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations provides recognition to school districts, open-enrollment charter schools and education services centers that are committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services. Those districts that earn additional points may receive Recognized Status as part of their award. These districts are considered the most innovative in Texas.