Page 21 - The Edge - Fall 2017

SCHOOL DISTRICT EFFICIENCY When it comes to improving a process, determine what you
need to improve. “Ask yourself or those in your department what
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 processes are not working,” Mock said. “ en identify the users.”

the entire district. We’re all in this together. Reach out to other Other questions to answer include: How are you identifying
districts for their processes. We don’t have any money to waste, opportunities for innovation? Can you solve the problem in a
so we need to make sure we’re saving where we can.” unique way?
Kube and Mock put their AASBO audience through a “Finally, make sure the workforce has what it needs to
process-mapping exercise. “Part of what you learn by mapping accomplish the improvement,” Mock said. “Sometimes it’s just your
is that there are more steps than what you thought to your moral support. But if they need training – that can cost money.”
process,” Kube said. A change can be made by an individual if you have the authority.
She cautioned AASBO participants not to work on changing “It doesn’t need board approval,” she said. “It doesn’t have to start
processes that might a ect another department. “You can at the top. But I cannot stress enough – identify the users and the
avoid this by mapping how the process ows through di erent stakeholders for that process.”
departments. en make sure you involve the departments that Mock told her AASBO audience not to be afraid of failure.
will be a ected,” she said. “Failure shows me that you’re trying,” she said. “If you’re not failing
Mock said that purchasing a ects many units of a school and you’re just getting by, you’re probably not getting any better.”
district, including teachers. “ at forces you to look at multiple
processes in developing a purchasing process,” she said. Sandy Kube, Performance Excellence Program Manager,
Mentioning the budget-building process, Mock said Southwest Alliance for Excellence, can be reached at:
consideration includes how many teachers to be hired and skube@swae.org.
where they will be assigned. “Don’t get too bogged down
in being speci c,” she said. “Having all information is more Heather Mock, Director of Finance, Deer Valley Uni ed
important than having it in the right spot so you can explain to School District, can be reached at: Heather.Mock@dvusd.
your community how you build your budget.” org.

NATIONAL IPA BECOME A PARTICIPANT AND START SAVING

CONTRACTS ARE TIME AND MONEY TODAY.
AMAZING IN ARIZONA
Leverage the Purchasing Power of more than 48,000 actively engaged
government and educational entities.
No Participation Fees
Registration is Fast and Free
Contracts Publicly Solicited By A Lead Government Agency

CONTRACT CATEGORIES INCLUDE:
Athletic Automotive Parts Equipment Rental
Facilities Flooring Food Furniture
Grounds Keeping and Irrigation Heavy Equipment HVAC
Janitorial Maintenance & Operations Managed Print
Office Supplies Oracle Playground Equipment
Roofing School Supplies Technology
Travel Management Uniforms

To Learn More, Visit nationalipa.org

Nick Grund – nick.grund@nationalipa.org or 520.203.4671

Founding Member of NCPP
Proud AASBO Alliance Partners

NIPA-0134_AZ EDGE Summer 2017 Insertion.indd 1 5/5/2017 11:31:06 AM
21