The Board of Education recognizes its position as a major purchaser in this community, and while it is the intention of the Board to purchase materials and supplies of quality at the lowest possible cost through widespread competition, if all other considerations are equal, the Board prefers to purchase within the District from established local merchants.

The Board authorizes the Business Office Manager to award purchases placed in accordance with law, this policy, and all policies of the Board otherwise applicable to local merchants when their quotation is competitive, within a percentage determined by the Board, freight charges are a factor, maintenance service may be required, promptness of delivery is a consideration, and provided that all statutes pertaining to public purchasing are duly observed.