Hope, Author at ILTPP

Making ChromeOS Your School’s Primary OS

Posted on January 9, 2025 | by Hope

Brayden Matsko

IT Coordinator, St. Michael The Archangel School (Streator)

This piece was written by an ILTPP Ambassador. Learn more about the Ambassador program →

ChromeOS has become a student device mainstay in numerous schools. There’s little wonder why – IT administrators love how easy Chromebooks are to manage and compared to standard laptops, they’re virtually virus-free. With the introduction of Chromebook Plus, this OS has become a real contender for any work that can be completed in-browser, with Linux, Android, and Parallels closing any remaining software gaps.

I’ve spent the last few months organizing my district’s transition from a ChromeOS & Windows to a fully ChromeOS environment. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot and discovered a wealth of resources from the LTC, ILTPP, TDT-Asset by Learn21, and CTL.

Whether you’re planning or moving forward with a similar transition, let my experience help you get a fuller look at this rewarding process.

Why Transition to ChromeOS?

For my school, we started by trying to keep Windows with a Cloud MDM, JumpCloud. However, the grant we applied for denied our request for perpetual software licensing. This was a shock, but I decided to pause, take a look around, and ask, “what will edtech look like in five years? What solutions would help us keep pace?”

I think that in five years, we will see a lot more cloud apps and ChromeOS devices. My school already used Chrome for everything in the classroom, so Windows wasn’t a must-have. After considering all the factors, I reached out to our current Chromebook supplier CTL (an ILTPP Vendor Partner), which got the ball rolling toward a potential ChromeOS transition.

Procedurally, there were reasons to transition as well. Giving our users a simpler user interface and greater security was a no-brainer for me, as was giving users a single identity provider. As a one-man IT department, this transition would also centralize more controls into a single system – a big time-saver from the start.

Is ChromeOS Really Secure?

ChromeOS (and by extension, Chromebook Plus models) takes a sandbox approach to security, allowing IT administrators to sleep comfortably at night knowing that their endpoint attack surface is minimal. Users also can’t generally download applications (as long as Linux is disabled), and are safe from rogue .exe files.

As any existing ChromeOS admin also knows, Google offers tons of options for restricting extensions, web apps, and Android apps, making it easy to productively limit what runs on your devices.

You’re not completely protected, though; with enough time and experience, hackers will always find a way. With that likelihood in mind, I’ve been testing a system called Conceal, which identifies suspicious websites and isolates them using a VM to prevent classroom disruption. So far, Conceal has lived up to its billing, successfully snaring potentially harmful websites while allowing safe and useful websites through

Other software vendors offer their own technologies and many filtering providers (including ILTPP Vendor Partners Securly and Delado) will let your keep everything under a single software by licensing your staff members. You can then move your staff to a different OU that has fewer restrictions. But if you do so, make sure to keep any adult or known malware distribution sites blocked. Better safe than sorry.

Can ChromeOS Really Do The Job?

Likely so, but it really comes down to your goals and your environment. Here are a couple questions I considered while mulling over a transition to ChromeOS:

What do users need outside of the browser?

If most of your students’ work can be accomplished in Chrome, then you’re good to go with ChromeOS.

If there are software needs that extend beyond browser-based applications (including from staff), supplementary options are available. For example, staff can use Linux, Android, or even be issued a Parallels license to access a managed Windows VM inside of ChromeOS.

In terms of performance, can a Chromebook meet their needs?

Almost certainly, the answer here is “yes. With the lineup of new Chromebook Plus models, there’s a Chromebook for everyone, with plenty of customization options to meet your performance goals.

I settled on the CTL Chromebook Plus PX141GXT (16 GB of RAM and Intel core i3) for staff and the non-plus CTL PX11E models for students.

If you want to make the Chromebook more appealing, I suggest adding a touch screen. My staff expressed more openness to switching when their new device had a tangible difference they could see and touch.

What about User Buy-In?

School staff can be resistant to change. But having an honest conversation with them while highlighting tangible improvements that impact their job role can help earn necessary buy-in.

Here are a few talking points I used while moving forward with our ChromeOS transition:

ChromeOS is safer and easier to use for many users
Chromebook Plus models are just as capable as Windows computers
Educators have been helping students use Chrome and Google apps for years, so they already have ChromeOS experience – even if they didn’t know it
The LTC offers online courses on many Google tools for staff members who need a refresher
- PD hours are offered for those who complete any of the courses
- Beginner trainings are free, but they have paid intermediate options as well

Don’t forget to keep your administration team in the loop, too. If they’ve got your back, your staff will be a lot more likely to go along with the transition.

I’ve also found it helpful to individually onboard staff who didn’t feel comfortable switching to a fully Chrome-based environment. To facilitate that, I created a Google Calendar booking page and let users book a pickup time. I also made sure they got logged in and could get to their favorite services before they turned in their old computer.

How Can My District Afford This?

No doubt, a transition like this comes with a cost, in terms of time and budget. Luckily, ILTPP has resources to help you through the entire purchasing process, saving you plenty of both.

Several current ILTPP Vendor Partners offer noteworthy discounts on Chromebook Plus models, and buyback programs offered by other Vendor Partners can help recoup some of your device transition costs.

Ready to get started? Become an ILTPP member for free, then request a free quote or explore ILTPP’s full list of pre-negotiated contracts.

REQUEST A QUOTE

EXPLORE ALL CONTRACTS

Interested in learning more about what ChromeOS and Chromebook Plus are capable of?

This recorded webinar from CTL digs deep into the details, including how certain specifications and models can be harnessed in educational environments.

How Can Sustainable Tech Transform the Future of Education?

Posted on January 6, 2025 | by Hope

Classrooms today are powered by technology. Laptops have become as essential as textbooks, allowing students to learn, connect, and prepare for a future that demands digital fluency. But as schools embrace technology, they face a challenge we rarely talk about: sustainability.

Each year, schools purchase thousands of devices to meet student needs. Yet, these devices often have short lifespans, break down quickly, or become obsolete. This creates two major problems: rising replacement costs and a growing pile of e-waste that ends up in landfills. The question isn’t whether schools should invest in technology—it’s how to do it responsibly, balancing tight budgets with a commitment to a sustainable future.

This is where Bluum A+ makes a difference. Schools are constantly seeking ways to maximize their budgets without sacrificing quality or sustainability. By offering recrafted laptops that are sustainable, durable, and cost-effective, Bluum A+ directly addresses these challenges and helps schools achieve their sustainability goals faster.

Let’s explore how sustainable technology, like Bluum A+, helps schools reach their sustainability goals quickly while addressing everyday challenges.

The Case for Sustainable Tech in Schools

Every school aims to prepare its students for the future, but many are stuck in a cycle that feels anything but forward-thinking. Laptops are bought, used, and discarded when they fail or become outdated. It’s not just a financial strain; it’s an environmental one.

E-waste—discarded electronics like laptops, phones, and tablets—is one of the fastest-growing environmental challenges. When devices end up in landfills, they contribute to pollution and waste valuable materials that could be reused. Schools are caught in the middle. They need reliable technology for students, but the constant turnover of devices feels wasteful, expensive, and at odds with the values they aim to teach. How can schools model environmental responsibility when their tech practices feel unsustainable?

This is why Bluum A+ exists. Unlike typical refurbished devices, Bluum A+ laptops are recrafted. Every laptop undergoes an intensive process where damaged components are replaced, external surfaces are refreshed, and rigorous testing ensures the devices work just like new ones. These aren’t just recycled laptops—they’re reborn for a purpose.

When schools choose Bluum A+, they’re not just saving money—they’re taking a stand for sustainability. It’s a way to show students that technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Read More about the Bluum Sustainability Tech Movement. The challenges schools face—tight budgets, growing tech needs, and sustainability goals—can feel overwhelming. But with Bluum A+, the solution is simple: affordable, durable, and sustainable laptops that meet the demands of today while protecting the future.

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Bill McCoy
Territory Vice President- Central Territory
bill.mccoy@bluum.com

Learn More About Bluum

Partnership Aims to Increase Data Privacy in Illinois School Districts

Posted on December 16, 2024 | by Hope

CoSN is working with the Illinois Learning Technology Center to bring its Trusted Learning Environment Seal to more schools across the state.

by Rebecca Torchia is a web editor for EdTech: Focus on K–12.

CoSN is partnering with school districts in Illinois via the state’s Learning Technology Center to strengthen K–12 data privacy practices. Through the partnership, leaders at CoSN and the Learning Technology Center hope to expand schools’ adoption of the Trusted Learning Environment framework.

Currently, only one district in the state has earned the TLE Seal, which CoSN awards to schools that document their data privacy strengths in all five areas of the framework. That district, Community High School District 99, earned the accolade in summer 2022.

“Having spent the last five years focusing intently on improving the district’s information security posture, the TLE was the ideal next step to deeply assess how we were doing, improve where needed and publicly celebrate our successes,” Rod Russeau, the district’s director of technology and information services, said in a press release at the time.

While Illinois’s Learning Technology Center has historically worked with districts in the state on technology integration and professional development, the center is eager to dig deeper into data privacy with each district, says Executive Director Tim McIlvain.

“We already have several initiatives, such as partnering with the Student Data Privacy Consortium, which we’ve been doing for a number of years to help comply with Illinois’s [Student Online Personal Protection Act] related to data privacy,” McIlvain says. “But one thing we haven’t been able to do is provide ongoing, intensive support around creating policies and ensuring practices are implemented within a school district.”

Data Privacy Challenges for K–12 IT Leaders

While data privacy should fall under the umbrella of a K–12 IT leader’s role, the word “privacy” often doesn’t appear in anyone’s job description, says McIlvain. “It’s implied that they’re supposed to help with data privacy, but it’s not actually part of their responsibilities. We want to work with the tech leaders within districts to help them understand the TLE Seal framework and guide them through its five components.”

“We want to work with the tech leaders within districts to help them understand the TLE Seal framework and guide them through its five components.”

Tim McIlvain Executive Director, Learning Technology Center

4 Promising Ways AI Is Transforming Endpoint Security For Good

Posted on December 13, 2024 | by Hope

Today’s AI plays an intrinsic role in an effective cybersecurity strategy

By Kelly Begeny, Laura Torres Posted December 13, 2024

Security continues to evolve through a complex ecosystem of technologies, including intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), security information and event management (SIEM), log management, data loss prevention (DLP), firewall monitoring, and advanced threat detection tools.

All collect data that could help you prevent a breach – but the sheer volume of security data has traditionally been overwhelming, especially when analyzing sensitive information manually. How do you quickly determine what’s noise and what’s a warning bell? Enter artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced automation, which are quickly becoming game-changers in managing and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

AI and robotic process automation (RPA) have transformed from promising technologies to critical components of enterprise strategies. They can speed up security data evaluation, spot vulnerabilities before they become breaches, and free up time for your security practitioners to address threats more proactively.

Here are four key ways AI is reshaping endpoint security and how you can leverage today to transform your cyber strategy.

1. Advanced data intelligence

The traditional process of consolidating all your data into a single repository and then analyzing and understanding its implications can be challenging, inefficient, and, most importantly, time-consuming.

It’s time to move on from the old ways. Today, AI doesn’t just collect and aggregate data – it provides contextual, predictive insights.

Machine learning models can now process petabytes of security data in near real-time and forecast potential security incidents before they occur. AI models streamline the data collection process, from identifying complex, multi-stage threat patterns to creating dynamic, interactive threat visualization dashboards.

Instead of having your team perform predictive analysis, proactive threat monitoring, and threat hunting manually, they can move directly into action mode to secure weak points.

2. Hyper-automated vulnerability assessment and management

Modern vulnerability assessments have become significantly more sophisticated, largely driven by AI.

Machine learning models can simulate millions of potential exploit scenarios. Integration with threat intelligence platforms provides global, real-time context about emerging vulnerabilities, and predictive AI can now accurately estimate the potential business impact.

In addition, you can use AI and RPA to create a model that predicts how a vulnerability will behave. Using data from your SIEM tool, AI can examine what malware or endpoint security issues may have been detected. Based on that data, RPA can put security controls in place.

Security professionals can even use AI to analyze malware patterns and behaviors, and predict how it will impact your endpoints. You can use this information to deploy a more accurate countermeasure without the potentially false positives non-AI solutions often provide.

3. Intelligent data loss prevention (DLP)

AI can protect your organization’s sensitive data by identifying what information should be secured, using advanced natural language processing.

Using vector machine learning (ML), you can understand, identify, and make sense of certain patterns. For example, by learning the data patterns of your organization’s financial data, AI can strip that information – or encrypt it – if someone accidentally sends the data to unauthorized personnel or if a malicious attacker tries to gain access.

Today’s AI goes beyond traditional pattern matching with enhanced behavioral anomaly detection, context-aware encryption and data masking, and real-time risk scoring for data transmission and access attempts.

4. Secure software development

AI helps organizations prioritize security from the very beginning of software development, playing a critical role in its lifecycle.

AI can work within the agile development process, sifting through code as it’s developed and running it against the latest security threats and trends to spot any potential flaws or vulnerabilities. If there’s a strong probability the code may have flaws, AI will alert the developers to fix vulnerabilities at each phase of development.

Using AI and RPA helps developers proactively identify issues with predictive vulnerability detection during the design and development phases, and continuous code security scanning can suggest immediate remediation. You can also integrate security testing directly into continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Kyle Thomas
SM SLED Manager
732-564-8526
Kyle_Thomas@shi.com

Learn More About SHI

Understanding Google Workspace for Education Licensing Changes

Posted on December 11, 2024 | by Hope

Important changes to Google Workspace for Education licensing will start in 2025, with Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals remaining free of charge. However, updates to how licenses are assigned and managed will specifically affect user licenses, while device licenses like Chromebook management will remain unchanged. To learn more and stay informed, check out the upcoming webinar scheduled for January 30th, 2025, and read the support article for further details on these changes.

CDW Amplified for Education Help Center

Have More Questions Contact your Dedicated Account Manager:

John Buttita
Sales Manager
877-325-3380
johnbut@cdw.com

Otus and Discovery Education Forge New Strategic Partnership to Maximize Student Achievement Nationwide

Posted on November 26, 2024 | by Hope

Chicago, IL and Charlotte, NC (Tuesday, November 12, 2024)— Otus, the leading K-12 assessment, data, and insights solution, and Discovery Education, the global leader in standards-aligned digital curriculum resources, today announced a new strategic partnership aimed at maximizing student achievement nationwide through the powerful combination of engaging content and state-of-the-art data analytics. Through this collaboration, Otus is now Discovery Education’s preferred platform for assessment, data, and learning insights.

Discovery Education’s school-based, K-12 partners who adopt Otus will be empowered to analyze assessment data from programs such as DreamBox Math and Science Techbook, alongside other district-level metrics, for a comprehensive view of student performance. As part of this partnership, Otus and Discovery Education have also aligned to explore additional future innovations, including an AI-powered curriculum assistant that can offer personalized learning experiences based on real-time student data.

“Discovery Education has long been a trusted provider of engaging, standards-aligned content that shapes the educational experiences of millions of students worldwide,” said Chris Hull, co-founder and president of Otus. “At Otus, we’re committed to ensuring every educator has the tools and insights they need to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives. By partnering with Discovery Education, we are excited to combine our strengths to offer schools an innovative solution that empowers educators to make data-driven decisions that drive student success and improve performance across the board.”

“Otus and Discovery Education are committed to creating collaborative, data-rich environments that lighten the workload for educators, scale best practice, and enhance learning outcomes for students,” said Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education. “This exciting new partnership offers K-12 leaders nationwide an innovative new way to combine award-winning digital resources with meaningful and actionable data visualizations. We are looking forward to working with the talented team at Otus to support school systems across the country as they build the engaging modern learning environments today’s learners demand and deserve.”

For more information on the new collaboration between Otus and Discovery Education, click here.

For more information about how Otus provides educators with the insights they need to make confident, informed decisions that drive student growth, visit www.otus.com and stay connected to Otus on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

###

About Otus
Otus, an award-winning edtech platform, empowers educators to maximize student performance with comprehensive solutions for K12 assessment, data, and insights. Committed to student achievement and educational equity, Otus combines student data with powerful tools that provide educators, administrators, and families with the insights they need to make a difference. Built by teachers for teachers, Otus creates efficiencies in data management, assessments, and progress monitoring to help educators focus on what matters most—student success. Today, Otus partners with school districts nationwide to create informed, data-driven learning environments. Learn more at Otus.com.

About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education atwww.discoveryeducation.com.

Contact

Mike Peterson
Otus
Phone: 651-307-9251
Email: mike.peterson@otus.com

Stephen Wakefield
Discovery Education
Phone: 202-316-6615
Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com

Cooperative Purchasing in K-12: What are the Best Co-ops for Maximizing Savings?

Posted on November 6, 2024 | by Hope

Cooperative Purchasing Agencies (Co-ops) are organizations that combine the purchasing power of multiple entities to negotiate better pricing and terms for goods and services.

By: Ymkje Wideman-van der Laan, for ed-spaces.com

Cooperative Purchasing Agencies (Co-ops) are becoming indispensable for procurement professionals in school districts. By leveraging collective buying power, co-ops streamline procurement processes, secure significant cost savings, and provide access to a wide range of products and services, ultimately helping school districts reach their financial and operational goals. School districts today are grappling with tight budgets, increased demand for transparency, and the need for more efficient procurement practices. Recent trends indicate a growing reliance on digital tools and centralized purchasing to cut costs and improve operational efficiency.

What Are Cooperative Purchasing Agencies?

Cooperative Purchasing Agencies (Co-ops) are organizations that combine the purchasing power of multiple entities to negotiate better pricing and terms for goods and services. For example, a co-op might pool the purchasing needs of several school districts to obtain discounts on classroom supplies or technology equipment that would be unattainable individually. The concept of cooperative purchasing dates back to the early 20th century, when local governments and educational institutions began forming alliances to optimize their procurement processes and save taxpayer dollars. Today, co-ops operate at regional, state, and national levels, providing comprehensive procurement solutions to a diverse range of public sector organizations.

Benefits of Using Cooperative Purchasing Agencies

One of the primary advantages of co-ops is cost savings. By using the collective buying power of many members, co-ops can secure significant discounts that individual school districts might not achieve independently. Co-ops offer time efficiency by streamlining procurement processes and reducing the administrative burden on school staff.

According to the latest reports, the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA) saw annual purchases exceed $1 billion in 2022, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. This growth underscores the rising reliance on co-ops for cost-effective procurement solutions. Similarly, Sourcewell, another leading co-op, facilitated over $4 billion in cooperative purchasing contracts in 2022, marking a 15% year-over-year increase. These figures highlight the significant financial impact of co-ops in helping school districts and other public entities maximize savings and streamline procurement processes.

Access to a wide range of products and services is another benefit, as co-ops maintain extensive catalogs of pre-vetted suppliers. This simplifies vendor selection and ensures compliance with legal and policy requirements. Additionally, Co-ops provide valuable expertise and support, helping procurement professionals navigate complex purchasing decisions.

Another significant benefit of using co-ops is the ability to “piggyback” on existing contracts. This process allows school districts to leverage contracts that have already been negotiated by other entities, saving time and resources that would otherwise be spent on the procurement process. Piggybacking ensures that districts can take advantage of competitively bid contracts that meet stringent standards and regulations, thereby enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This approach fosters collaborative purchasing, which can lead to better pricing and terms due to the aggregated demand from multiple districts. By utilizing piggybacking through co-ops, school districts can achieve greater purchasing power and streamlined procurement processes, ultimately benefiting their overall operational efficiency.

While co-ops offer significant benefits, there are also potential drawbacks. One limitation is the potential lack of flexibility; school districts may be constrained by the terms and conditions negotiated by the CPA, which might not perfectly align with their specific needs. Also, smaller vendors might be excluded from CPA contracts, limiting the diversity of suppliers. There is also the risk of dependency on a limited number of large contracts, which could reduce competitive pricing in the long term. Understanding these limitations is crucial for school districts to make informed decisions about their procurement strategies.

Top Six Co-ops for School Districts

Below are the top 6 Co-ops that stand out for their exceptional services and benefits, each offering a comprehensive range of products and services tailored to the needs of school districts. Case studies from districts utilizing these co-ops highlight their positive impact on procurement efficiency and cost savings.

1. The Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA)

AEPA is one of the largest group buyers in K-12 education, mentioned by 71% of executives as an increasingly important player. AEPA includes Education Service Agencies (ESAs) from 26 states, solicits bids, and invites vendors to respond. Once AEPA awards a contract, individual districts in member states can purchase from the vendor at the negotiated price. Vendors can register directly on the association’s site. Each member state has one representative on the AEPA board, and member states must participate in 60% of the Request For Purchase (RFP) contract awards to remain active members. In 2022, annual purchases through AEPA exceeded $1 billion. AEPA emphasizes compliance with state purchasing laws and aims to be “nationally bid but locally awarded.”

2. Omnia Partners (formerly National IPA)

Omnia Partners is a leading national cooperative purchasing organization, previously known as National IPA. It offers extensive procurement solutions across public and private sectors, including educational institutions. Omnia Partners combines the purchasing power of its members to achieve significant cost savings and streamline the procurement process. With a vast portfolio of competitively solicited contracts, it provides a wide range of products and services tailored to meet the needs of school districts, improving procurement efficiency and reducing costs.

“Utilizing Omnia Partners cooperative contracts to supply and furnish the new Havre de Grace Middle/High School saved time and money… They also provide a great economy of scale to achieve greater discounts than we could leverage on our own.”

– Sara Rowe, Procurement Agent, Harford County Public Schools, Marylandⁱ

3. Sourcewell

Sourcewell is a service cooperative that assists government, education, and nonprofit entities with cooperative purchasing. By leveraging its members’ collective purchasing power, Sourcewell offers a wide array of nationally solicited contracts to secure competitive pricing and terms. It simplifies the procurement process for school districts by providing access to pre-negotiated contracts for various products and services, from office supplies to large-scale infrastructure projects. Sourcewell’s commitment to transparency and compliance with procurement standards guarantees that school districts benefit from both cost savings and quality products.

4. BuyBoard

BuyBoard was formed by the National School Boards Association and several state school board associations to streamline the buying process for schools and other public entities. It is governed by an 11-member board representing members from schools, cities, and counties. Members of BuyBoard include over 4,600 entities in Texas and 600 national entities. Texas members receive an annual rebate based on participation. BuyBoard uses a multiple award schedule with over 1,100 vendor contracts and annual sales of $860 million.

“BuyBoard allows local educational agencies to save resources and money by consolidating a nearly limitless supply of goods and services under one roof and offering discounts through group purchasing power. Every time a California school district uses BuyBoard, they will achieve time and cost efficiencies that can be redirected toward student support and services.” – California School Boards Association (CSBA) CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billyⁱ

5. The Cooperative Purchasing Network (TCPN)

Originating from the Region 4 service agency in Houston, Texas, TCPN is one of the largest co-ops in the country, with over $1.1 billion in sales. This co-op competitively solicits proposals and awards contracts through multiple award schedules in over 68 contract categories. TCPN partners with regional cooperatives under revenue share agreements, increasing their reach and purchasing power across various regions.

6. E&I Cooperative Services

This member-owned, not-for-profit sourcing cooperative provides expertise, solutions, and services to the educational community and related institutions. Established in 1934, E&I had nearly $3 billion in aggregate member spending in 2017. Members can access a diverse portfolio of competitively awarded contracts, electronic procurement solutions, and consulting services. Leveraging the knowledge and expertise of more than 4,500 member institutions, E&I helps members reduce costs and optimize supply chain efficiencies. The cooperative’s member-driven competitive solicitation process meets generally accepted procurement standards nationwide.

“I was looking for a cooperative that could be a one-stop-shop and E&I delivers. As our sole partner in business, the relationship continues to grow and prosper. We are so thankful to be a part of this large network” – Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, Connecticutⁱⁱ

How Cooperative Purchasing Agencies Help Procurement Professionals

Co-ops play a crucial role in simplifying the procurement process for school districts. By handling vendor negotiations and contract management, Co-ops reduce the administrative load on procurement professionals. This allows them to focus on strategic planning and improving procurement practices. Co-ops offer training and resources to boost the skills of procurement staff, ensuring they stay updated on best practices and regulatory requirements.

Steps to Implement Cooperative Purchasing in School Districts

For school districts looking to implement cooperative purchasing, the first step is to evaluate their current procurement practices. Researching and selecting the right CPA is crucial, followed by integrating CPA resources into the procurement workflow. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will help districts measure the impact and make necessary adjustments.

Procurement officers can follow these steps to implement cooperative purchasing:

1. Evaluate Current Procurement Practices:

Conduct a comprehensive review of existing procurement methods, identifying areas where cost savings and efficiency improvements are needed.

2. Research Cooperative Purchasing Agencies (Co-ops):

Investigate different Co-ops and their offerings by assessing their reputation, compliance with state laws, and contract options. Consider case studies or testimonials from other school districts to inform your decision.

3. Select the Right CPA:

Compare the services, product ranges, and fee structures of various Co-ops, choosing one that best aligns with the district’s specific needs and goals.

4. Integrate CPA Resources into the Procurement Workflow:

Register the school district with the selected CPA, train procurement staff on using CPA tools and resources, and update procurement policies and procedures to include CPA options.

5. Negotiate and Award Contracts:

Work with the CPA to solicit bids and award contracts, ensuring all contracts comply with local and state procurement regulations.

6. Monitor and Evaluate Performance:

Continuously track the cost savings and efficiency gains achieved through cooperative purchasing, gather stakeholder feedback to identify any issues or areas for improvement, and adjust strategies and processes based on the findings.

7. Maintain Communication with the CPA:

Regularly communicate with the CPA to stay updated on new contracts and opportunities and participate in CPA meetings and events to share experiences and learn best practices.

Co-ops are game changers in the procurement landscape for school districts. They offer substantial cost savings, streamlined operations, and access to a broad spectrum of pre-vetted suppliers. Leveraging Co-ops is a strategic move that maximizes resources and enhances procurement efficiency. By assessing current practices and selecting the right Co-ops, school districts can seamlessly integrate these resources into their workflow, leading to significant improvements in cost management and operational effectiveness. Harnessing the power of Co-ops not only optimizes procurement processes but also allows school districts to allocate their resources more effectively, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes.

Endnotes:
i https://www.omniapartners.com/industries/k-12-education
ii https://www.eandi.org/

The Illinois Learning Technology Purchase Program (ILTPP) partners with the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies (AEPA) to provide K-12 schools exclusive access to high-quality, cost-effective educational technology solutions. This collaboration ensures that districts across Illinois benefit from streamlined purchasing processes and competitive pricing.

Eliminate the Guesswork: With a CTL Device Test Drive

Posted on November 4, 2024 | by Hope

CTL offers single units at a 60% discount so you can try out a device and make your volume purchase with confidence. There’s no need to keep track of a unit to return after trial because the unit is yours. Take it apart, drop test it, and do whatever you feel is necessary to ensure your future volume purchase will fit your needs.

Skip the hassle of tracking and returning a demo unit with CTL’s convenient Buy and Try program.

Who Qualifies?

Volume purchasers of 30+ devices from these types of organizations:

Education
Government
Non-profit
Enterprise

What Products Qualify?

These CTL product types qualify for the discounted evaluation unit:

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Maureen Cooney

Account Manager

571-386-9797

mcooney@ctl.net

Learn More About CTL

Check out the current Chromebooks line from CTL.

Aligning Vision Mission & Values with School Design

Posted on October 29, 2024 | by Hope

A Guide for School Boards, Leaders, and Community Design Teams

By: Dr. Robert Dillon

Whether you are building a new school, adding onto an existing building, or remodeling and making the most of a current building, it is essential that you create explicit links between who you are and where you learn. The most effective schools craft visions, missions, and values that are alive — in that they feed the decision-making around all aspects of the school, including the physical design. Without this alignment, schools can create barriers to excellence. An apparent mismatch between what they say and the spaces they create can generate confusion about their true commitment to their vision and mission, discouraging buy-in from their communities.

This doesn’t have to be the case, though. When thoughtfully designed, the physical spaces within a school can significantly enhance the educational experience, support the wellbeing of students, and foster a sense of belonging and connection. They can also be figurative ambassadors that speak loudly about the excellence of the work happening inside. Through this article, we hope to outline a process for ensuring that future school designs align with the district’s core principles while avoiding the most common potholes.

Set the stage for success.

Articulate your mission

The first step in any design project should be to articulate the district’s vision, mission, and values clearly. So many schools and districts think their mission statements are clear, but many audiences don’t have a sense of their real meaning and message. They are missing context, making it impossible to align design decisions to these statements of core principles without a shared understanding of what they truly mean. In clarifying, make sure that the long-term goals of the educational experience you want to provide (as well as the instructional strategies to unlock that experience) are clear. Remember that it takes ongoing engagement with all stakeholders — teachers, students, parents, and community members — to ensure a shared and continuous understanding of these priorities and the language that surrounds them.

Evaluate the current spaces

Double checking the current reality before proceeding into a new design is important, as leaving some aspects of the building or buildings much farther behind others can detract from your mission. To avoid this, conduct a needs assessment to evaluate the current state of facilities and identify areas that currently fall short. This assessment should consider factors such as:

Whether the current spaces support modern teaching methods and learning modalities
How well the current spaces promote physical, emotional, and social well-being
If the current spaces foster a sense of community and belonging

Enlist the help of a diverse team

The schools and districts that have done this work in the most effective ways form a collaborative design team that includes a diverse group of stakeholders, such as educators, architects, designers, students, and community members. This helps to ensure that multiple perspectives are considered and that the new or updated design reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire school community. This allows a small group to keep the focus on intentional, linked design during every step of the process.

Contact your dedicated Account Manager:

Please contact the Demco inside sales department for everyday orders and general inquiries. For contract pricing, please reference C10903 or inform them you are an ILTPP member.