The School Board 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 Corporation from established local merchants.

The Board authorizes the Chief Financial Officer or Purchasing Agent 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, freight charges are a factor, maintenance or other types of service may be required, and/or promptness of delivery is a consideration provided that all statutes pertaining to public purchasing are duly observed.