Describes an eight-step bid-analysis procedure that includes comparing bids with specifications, listing options offered by the bidders, assigning costs to each option, and comparing the bids without desired options. Presents a sample bid-analysis chart. (RW)

Purchase of a telephone system saved an Ohio school district $25,000 in the first year. To get the most for their telephone dollars districts should (1) determine needs; (2) write specifications; (3) ask for bids; (4) review the bids; (5) work with the company selected; and (6) inform the public. (MLF)

Describes a Florida superintendent's harrowing experience after ignoring the governor's directive to defy a court order to begin forced student busing. The superintendent and the courts eventually triumphed by acting in the best interests of the students and the school system. The governor was fined and lost his bid for reelection. (MLH)

Presents a step-by-step process for controlling costs, guaranteeing prompt service, and generally making the task of purchasing equipment for a new school easier. (Author/IRT)

Recent incidents in the Baltimore and Piscatawny (New Jersey) school districts reveal a new ethical problem: how to treat school leaders' out-of-school relationships with private companies doing business with their districts. Contracting for instructional services could lead to collusion between administrators and contractors. Strict financial…