Sask. school divisions team up to increase purchasing power
Largest of the five opts to go solo
Four of the five school divisions that are part of a massive publicprivate partnership (P3) constructing 18 new joint-use schools in Saskatchewan have teamed up to increase their purchasing power.
The province’s largest school division, Saskatoon Public Schools, has opted not to join the effort. Participants say it will save divisions money when buying furniture and equipment for the new P3 schools.
The Schools Educational Purchasing Group (SEPG) issued a successful request for proposals (RFP) for furniture at the jointuse schools, according to a recent report received by the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools board of trustees earlier this month.
The group is made up of the Prairie Spirit School Division, the Regina Public School Division, the Regina Catholic School Division and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. Ten smaller divisions have signed up as potential additions to the agreement as it moves forward. For smaller boards like the North East School Division, which serves about 5,000 students, the benefits are expected to come in the form of savings and freed-up resources.
“It saves us a lot of time because we didn’t have to go through an RFP process to buy the furniture and we get the value,” said Wanda McLeod, North East’s chief financial officer.
“Any time that we can find savings with school divisions, we’re definitely on board.”
Joel Lloyd, superintendent of administrative services for Saskatoon Schools, said the division has worked with other school divisions and agencies to find savings in the past. He expects savings from the SEPG, which is a five-year agreement, to be substantial, he said.
“With these types of joint procurements, savings are being achieved by working together.”
Compared to the Catholic division’s recent furnishing of Holy Family School, Lloyd said he expects to see cost reductions of between 20 and 50 per cent, due to the volume of the purchase and the fact the SEPG has selected a Canadian company.
Garry Benning, chief financial officer for Saskatoon’s public division, said it didn’t join the SEPG because it wanted to maintain its own criteria and standards when it comes to purchasing equipment and furniture.
“We’re getting good value for the amount we’re spending and we’re getting the type of furniture and equipment that meets the standards of the school division,” he said. “It’s safe and reliable. It’s durable and it will last for a long period of time.”
He also noted savings due to the size of an order can reach a “critical mass,” beyond which there are no more additional savings or discounts.