The board supports economic development in Iowa.  Purchases by the school district will be made in Iowa for Iowa goods and services from a locally-owned business located within the school district or from an Iowa-based company which offers these goods or services if the cost and other considerations are relatively equal and they meet the required specifications.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to approve purchases, except those authorized by or requiring direct board action.  The superintendent may coordinate and combine purchases with other governmental bodies to take advantage of volume price breaks.  Joint purchases with other political subdivisions will be considered in the purchase of equipment, accessories or attachments with an estimated cost of $50,000 or more.

The superintendent will have the authority to authorize purchases without competitive bids for goods and services costing under $5,000 without prior board approval.  For goods and services costing more than $5,000 and less than $25,000, the superintendent will receive quotes of the goods and services to be purchased prior to approval of the board.  Competitive sealed bids are required for purchases, other than emergency purchases, for goods and services that cost $25,000 or more, including school buses.

The purchase will be made from the lowest responsible bidder based upon total cost considerations including, but not limited to, the cost of the goods and services being purchased, availability of service and/or repair, delivery date, the targeted small business procurement goal and other factors deemed relevant by the board.

The board and the superintendent will have the right to reject any or all bids, or any part thereof, and to re-advertise.  If it is determined that a targeted small business which bid on the project may be unable to perform the contract, the superintendent will notify the Department of Economic Development.  The board will enter into such contract or contracts as the board deems in the best interests of the school district.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 18.6(9); 23A; 28E.20; 72.3; 73; 73A; 285.10(3), .10(7); 301 (2001).
                                       261 I.A.C. 54.
                                       281 I.A.C. 43.25.
                                       481 I.A.C. 25.
                                       1984 Op. Att'y Gen. 115.
                                       1974 Op. Att'y Gen. 171.

Cross Reference:  705       Expenditures
                                       801.4    Site Acquisition
                                       802       Maintenance, Operation and Management
                                       803       Selling and Leasing

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 08-18-03; 11-20-06; 12-15-08; 03-19-12; 07-13-16
Revised 09-17-03; 12-18-06

Generally, the school district will not purchase items on behalf of employees.  The school district may in unusual and unique circumstances do so.  It is within the discretion of the board to determine when unique and unusual circumstances exist.

No purchase is made unless the employee has paid the school district prior to the order being placed and the employee has agreed to be responsible for any taxes or other expenses due.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code § 279.8 (2001).

Cross Reference:  703       Budget

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 08-18-03; 12-15-08; 03-19-12; 07-13-16
Revised 09-17-03

The board authorizes the issuance of warrants for payment of claims against the school district for goods and services.  The board will allow the warrants after the goods and services have been received and accepted in compliance with board policy and the claims audited by the board.

Claims for payment of freight, drayage, express, postage, printing, water, lights, telephone, rents, and payment of salaries pursuant to the terms of a written contract may be paid by the board secretary-treasurer prior to formal audit and approval by the board.  In addition, the secretary-treasurer, upon approval of the superintendent, may issue warrants for verified bills filed with the secretary-treasurer when the board is not in session prior to payment and prior to audit and approval by the board.  The board secretary-treasurer will examine the claims and verify bills.

The secretary-treasurer will determine to the secretary-treasurer's satisfaction that the claims presented to the board are in order and are legitimate expenses of the school district.  It is the responsibility of the secretary-treasurer to bring claims to the board.

The board president and board secretary-treasurer may sign warrants by use of a signature plate or rubber stamp.  If the board president is unavailable to personally sign warrants, the vice president may sign warrants on behalf of the president.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to develop the administrative regulations regarding this policy.

Legal Reference:  Iowa Constitution, Art. III § 31.
                                       Love v. City of Des Moines, 210 Iowa 90, 230 N.W. 373 (1930).
                                       Iowa Code §§ 279.8, .29, .30, .36; 291.12; 721.2(5) (2001).
                                       281 I.A.C. 12.3(1).
                                       1980 Op. Att'y Gen. 102, 160, 720.
                                       1976 Op. Att'y Gen. 69.
                                       1972 Op. Att'y Gen. 130, 180, 392, 456, 651.
                                       1936 Op. Att'y Gen. 375.

Cross Reference:  705       Expenditures

Approved 01-15-90                        
Reviewed 08-17-92; 08-18-03; 12-15-08; 03-19-12; 08-20-13; 07-13-16
Revised 09-21-92; 09-17-03; 09-17-13