Policy 3610: Purchasing Goods and Services

The Board will approve the purchase of goods and services, property leases, and inter­agency agreements when the initial order, contract, or agreement exceeds the then-current competitive bidding threshold published annually by the Michigan Depatiment of Education. The Superintendent will authorize the purchase, lease, or agreement that is equal to or less than the then-current competitive bidding threshold. The Director of Purchasing is the sole purchasing agent for the District. 

Purchasing From District Employees and Board Members

Employees:

The District will not purchase goods and/or materials directly from an employee or where an employee has an interest in any of the following:

• Any firm, partnership, or other unincorporated association, of which the employee is a partner, member, or employee.
• Any private corporation in which the employee is a stockholder owning more than 1 % of the total outstanding stock of any class if the stock is not listed on a stock exchange, or stock with a present market value in excess of $25,000 if the stock is listed on the stock exchange.
• Any corporation where the employee is a director, officer, or employee.
• Any trust of which the employee is a beneficiary or trustee 

The District may purchase specialized services from employees in an amount less than $500 upon approval of the Superintendent.

Board Members: 

The District will not purchase goods, materials, supplies, or services from a member of the Board, from a Board member's family member, or from a Board member's household, except as outlined in Board Policy 1900. 

Purchases for Personal Use 

Board members and employees will not authorize or make any purchase through the District for personal use. The name of the District, school, or an employee's position must not be used to gain personal discounts or cost preferences. The District will not purchase equipment or supplies for resale to employees. 

Emergency Purchases 

The requirements of this policy and Policy 3660, Bids and Quotation Requirements, may be suspended if an emergency is declared by the Superintendent or the Chief of Staff. Such emergencies may arise because of accidents or other unforeseen occurrences that could affect the life, health, welfare, or safety of the District's scholars or employees. 

When the cost of the emergency purchase exceeds the then-current competitive bidding threshold, telephone or electronic communication with members of the Finance Committee of the Board will be made as soon as possible after the emergency is declared, and written notice will be given to the members of the Board at the next scheduled Board meeting. 

Refer also to Policy 1900: Contracts and Board Member Disclosure Information and Policy 4005: Employee Conflict of Interest - Purchases.