Policy 715 - Purchasing

The purpose of purchasing is to support the education program of the district by providing necessary supplies, equipment and services. District purchases must be made in accordance with state and federal laws for public purpose that benefits the public and is directly related to the school
district’s mission to education students.

The School Board directs the Superintendent, or designee, to develop and maintain an efficient purchasing system for all supplies, equipment and materials in accordance with state and federal laws and accepted purchasing practices. Purchasing transactions will be authorized on properly
approved invoices, signed purchase orders or administrated by procurement cards (P-Card) through the Finance and Business Services Department. Purchasing or the incurrence of obligations on behalf of the School District may only be made within the framework of the School Board adopted
budgets.

The School Board believes in the philosophy of community partnerships which includes establishing effective working relationships with businesses located within the School District. The District will first consider, local partnerships if quality, cost, and service are comparable.

The Superintendent and/or the Executive Director of Business and Finance are authorized to approve and sign contracts.

Employees, including School Board members, who are in a position to make or influence purchasing decisions, shall actively avoid the appearance of or the fact of conflicting interest:

• They shall discharge their duties without favor and shall refrain from engaging in any outside matters of financial or personal interest incompatible with the impartial and objective performance of their duties.
• They shall not, directly or indirectly, seek or accept personal gain which would influence, or appear to influence, the conduct of their official duties.
• They shall not use public property or resources for personal or political gain.

• Minn. Stat. § 15.435 (Airline Travel Credit)
• Minn. Stat. § 10A.071, Certain gifts by lobbyists and principals prohibited
• Minn. Stat. § 123B.52, Contracts
• Minn. Stat. § 331A.03, subd.3, Alternative dissemination of bids and request
• Minn. Stat. § 471.345, Uniform Municipal Contracting Law
• Minn. Stat. § 471.895, Certain gifts by interested persons prohibited
• Uniform Grant Guidance 2 CFR Part 200

• Adopted: September 9, 1985
• Amended: August 13, 2001
• Amended: February 14, 2005
• Reviewed:March 10, 2008
• Amended: May 9, 2016
• Amended: September 17, 2018
• Last Reviewed: September 17, 2018

• Policy 715-R Purchasing Regulations