Not many people are aware of the “behind the scenes” work that goes on in school systems. As a former employee at the college and primary level, 18 years volunteer experience for public schools in two counties, a mom and now employed at one of the TOP suppliers for sports apparel in central Kentucky I have a VERY unique perspective.
It’s a very minuscule decision in the grand scheme of things but I recently learned that our school system made a very bad decision that will impact YOUR pocket. Policy and procedure do not require the district employees to consult with the taxpayers when taking bids for services or products. In this case, the bid was for sports apparel for the district. You know, those uniforms our kids wear to proudly represent our district for football, soccer, track, archery, bowling, bass fishing, baseball, softball etc!? We all know that not only will this impact the uniforms worn by our children, that is a DIRECT reflection of our district and families – it also impacts the parents who buy tshirts, sweatshirts, backpacks, blankets, pullovers, warmups, etc to show your support.
Let me share with you some interesting things that happen when these things go out to bid:
- The district is often given incentives, in this case, thousands of dollars in FREE apparel.
- Typically the district AD or school AD’s get the FREE apparel.
- Ideally the FREE apparel is distributed to the sport/team/school based on the purchase history.
- Most apparel is tax free.
- Most apparel is used multiple years and only replaced every 3-5 years.
- Typically the school pays for the cost of the apparel and the screen print, embroidery or heat press is built into the price.
- EVERY group in the district MUST purchase all of their apparel/gear through the winning bidder unless the group has a boosters.
These are FACTS.
Now, as a consumer of these items I don’t appreciate the decision being made without input. Why? Because I have seen the greed that happens, no matter how good a person is, there’s something about free that makes even the nicest go evil.
What does all this mean? Well, recently our school district put our sports apparel to bid. A local establishment, yes I work for them, was in the running. They are in the same county. They are a very reputable business with strong ties to area colleges (both private and public) as well as most neighboring county schools, even clients in Japan. A multimillion dollar business that offered our district an enormous amount in free apparel and name brands in uniforms. Our district decided on a business located about 2 hours away and received less in free apparel. The quality of the winning bidder’s work is not even comparable. I have pictures to prove the major differences. I have also personally had to clean up this companies mess. Additionally, I have heard horror stories from others, like getting hit with a $200 shipping when originally promised to hand deliver and save on shipping.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
If you are a parent of a child involved in any ‘group/team’ – make sure you have an active boosters in place and in good standing. WHY? Here’s a few reasons:
FACT: Boosters DO NOT have to use district vendors.
FACT: Athletic school sponsored uniforms will have to be purchased through approved vendors via the respective athletic director. TRANSLATED: Baseball/football/soccer uniforms WILL have to be purchased through the district and their approved vendors with athletic funds.
NOT A FACT: Boosters are NOT a “thing of the past”. Yes, boosters can make and break programs; however, more often than not they keep a program running.
FACT: Boosters CAN NOT enter into long term agreements with vendors. This allows for competitive shopping to allow for maximum return.
Parents are the backbone to public schools and their affiliated programs. As a parent, I don’t like the idea of spending my hard earned money on less than adequate services or products just because it keeps a friendship going for someone else.
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