
Procurement & School Supply Chains
In this research stream, I focus on how districts and schools can more effectively, efficiently, and equitably procure classroom supplies. The school supply chain in the US public education system is dysfunctional. The average teacher spends roughly $400 out-of-pocket per year on basic supplies, and at the same time, over 60% of the educational materials that districts do purchase are not used by teachers. My research aims to identify how to improve district and school procurement processes by focusing on the businesses that play an important role, such as school supply wholesalers, financial management technologies, and teacher crowdfunding platforms.