The Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) has named Spring ISD among the recipients of its 2023 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations. The Award of Merit was established in 2009 to recognize Texas school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, and education service centers that are committed to following professional standards in the acquisition of goods and services. Spring ISD has now received the honor 14 times.

“As Texas school districts face ever-increasing pressure to use funds efficiently, we’re proud of the work our honorees do to streamline operations, comply with regulations, and set the standard for how to utilize taxpayer dollars,” TASBO Executive Director Tracy Ginsburg said in a statement.

As Spring ISD celebrates this year’s TASBO award, Executive Director of Procurement Services Phillip Ellison said the department was proud to once again be named a recipient. Ellison praised his entire team’s work for making the award possible, and explained that the TASBO Award of Merit was especially meaningful this year as Spring ISD begins implementation of its $850 million bond measure, approved by area voters last November.

“With the recent passing of our bond, our processes will be scrutinized all the more by both our internal and external customers,” Ellison said. “Receiving this award gives us the confidence and recognition that our processes align with the best-in-class among Texas school district purchasing operations.”

Each year, volunteers with the TASBO Purchasing & Supply Management Research Committee evaluate the award criteria to ensure it represents the latest best practices. They then review new and recertification applications. For 2023, only 71 recipients statewide met the stringent criteria to qualify for the award.

“These organizations have not only demonstrated their professional purchasing operations by documenting their districts’ policies and procedures,” Ginsburg said, “but have also shared these best practices with colleagues throughout Texas.”

Spring ISD’s Procurement team was honored at an awards reception held during the 2023 TASBO annual conference in San Antonio in February.