District News

AUSTIN, TX (March 7, 2025) – The Waco ISD Purchasing Department has been recognized as one of the top 77 school districts in Texas by the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) with the 2025 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations. Members of the Waco ISD purchasing team were honored at the TASBO conference in Austin.

“The Waco ISD Purchasing Department has a long history of excellence, as this marks the seventeenth consecutive year to receive this award,” said WISD Purchasing Director Michelle Tish. “Even more prestigious is that Waco ISD is one of only two districts in the state to receive this award since its inception. It truly is a team effort.”

Each year, members of the TASBO Purchasing & Supply Management Research Committee evaluate and update the award criteria to reflect the latest best practices in school purchasing. The criteria include organization, policies and procedures, contract operations, staff training and certification, warehousing, use of technology, communication, and management of cooperative programs. TASBO committee members review new and recertification applications to determine award recipients.

“We’re proud of the work that our purchasing department does to streamline school purchasing operations, comply with regulations, and set the standard for using taxpayer dollars,” said Waco ISD Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Spicer. “Our team has demonstrated a high level of professionalism and skill by implementing best practices and procedures, while also sharing their knowledge with colleagues throughout Texas.”

Since its inception in 2009, the TASBO Award of Merit has recognized school districts and Education Service Centers that uphold the highest professional standards in purchasing and procurement.