The K-12 District Guide to Cooperative Contracts: Procurement, Categories, and the Education Buyer Cycle
“A mid-sized school district could achieve annual savings of $2.3 million—sufficient to support significant teacher salary increases—by streamlining procurement processes and reducing the number of suppliers” — Ecocomic and Business Journal That’s a pretty bold statement, but research backs it up. When the Chicago Public Schools consolidated suppliers, it recovered $18 million in vendor rebates. […]
Contract Cleaners and Facilities Services for K-12 Schools
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average public school building in the United States is now about 50 years old. Older facilities need more maintenance, and that means more expense. At the same time, the past few years have increased attention on cleaning and sanitation in schools. Students, staff, and parents are […]
Food Service Contracts for K-12 Schools: Catering, Cafeterias, and Federal Food Programs
Nearly 30 million children participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) each school year, and those are just those receiving free or reduced-cost lunches. While subsidies are available for some students, USDA data shows school meal programs remain one of the largest operational procurement categories for school districts, often accounting for nearly 30% of […]
K-12 Office Supplies: Cooperative Contracts for Classrooms and Administrative Offices
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 86% of public schools reported price increases that affected their operating costs during the last school year overall. For some schools, this means looking for opportunities to cut costs; for others, it is far more serious. Declining enrollment and per-student funding are causing a financial crisis […]
K-12 Technology Procurement: Wireless, Devices, and IT Contracts for School Districts
38% of educators say investments in devices will increase in the coming school year, according to EdWeek’s School District Purchasing Priorities 2026-27 report. Only 14% of districts say they’ll spend less. The pressure to find cost-efficiencies persists, especially when making tech purchases while also tying technology decisions to instructional outcomes, cybersecurity, accessibility, and long-term operational […]
Steelcase Series 1 Desk Chair: Is It Right for Your Campus?
Campuses include a mix of environments with different seating demands. Administrative offices, libraries, and shared workspaces typically require reliable, comfortable seating, but not every space justifies high-end ergonomic chairs. Yet you need durable and comfortable chairs fit for flexible use. In higher education, about 68% of new furniture purchases now incorporate modular or flexible elements, […]
Steelcase Leap Chair vs. Gesture: A Higher Education Buyer’s Comparison
Selecting the right ergonomic chair for faculty and staff environments is not a minor decision. You want durable and comfortable solution as they’ll remain in use for years. That’s one reason why many colleges and universities choose Steelcase office chairs. You have plenty of options, but two models are consistently chosen: the Steelcase Leap Chair […]
How to Furnish Campus Workspaces with Steelcase Desks and Series 2 Seating
Across higher education, a shift is driving a broader rethink of how campus workspaces are furnished. Institutions are no longer selecting desks and seating based solely on immediate needs. Instead, they are evaluating how furniture supports flexibility, long-term durability, and evolving teaching and work models. Steelcase Desks and Series 2 seating are frequently part of […]
Why Colleges and Universities Choose Steelcase Furniture Through Cooperative Contracts
Partnerships with the right suppliers play a central role in helping colleges and universities meet procurement goals. Combining the rugged, durable, and high-quality furniture of Steelcase Inc. and E&I Cooperative Services makes for a powerful duo. Together, they help higher education institutions address three of today’s most pressing procurement challenges: cost savings, compliance, and service. […]
The Complete Guide to Steelcase Office Chairs and Furniture for Higher Education Procurement
Higher education institutions spent more than $2.32 billion in 2025 as the modernization of campuses is expected to increase by 18% over the next five years, despite tight budgets and uncertain enrollment. Procurement teams play an increasingly central role in balancing modernization with cost control, compliance, and long-term planning. When it comes to furniture, Steelcase […]