Fun with Purchasing: August 2026 Updates

Posted By: Amy McClellan Fun With Purchasing,

Try Our New Feedback Forum Tool

Your voice matters and we’re listening!

The Feedback Forum is your space to share what it’s really like working with MISBO partners through our negotiated contracts. Your insights help us keep a pulse on partner performance, uncover opportunities to improve, and ensure our partners are delivering the value your school deserves.

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MISBO's NEWEST PARTNER

GHA Techologies

GHA Technologies is a leading employee-owned technology solutions provider with more than 35 years of experience. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, GHA has grown to become the largest employee-owned Value-Added Reseller (VAR) in the U.S., with local sales professionals in most major American cities. As a major technology vendor for the education sector, GHA provides technology products, security solutions, and knowledgeable support to help schools meet their evolving technology needs. GHA has also been recognized as Microsoft’s #1 reseller in the Western Region, bringing schools nationwide experience, strong industry partnerships, and personalized service.

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MISBO PARTNER HIGHLIGHTs

Barco

Create Better Outdoor Spaces for Your School

From outdoor classrooms and dining areas to gathering spaces and campus walkways, Barco Products helps schools create safe, durable, and inviting environments where students, faculty, and visitors can connect.

Our extensive selection of American-made site furnishings includes picnic tables, benches, waste receptacles, bike racks, shelters, and outdoor learning solutions—all designed to withstand heavy daily use while minimizing maintenance.

With customizable options, long-lasting materials, and cooperative purchasing available through MISBO, it's easier than ever to invest in high-quality outdoor spaces that support your campus for years to come.

Visit our website to explore our full product offering and find the right solutions for your school.

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Sora/OverDrive

Meet the Sora/OverDrive reps and learn how they can best serve our MISBO members!

Barbie | Account Executive - bestrada@overdrive.com
Interested in bringing Sora to your school or district? Talk to Barbie. She helps schools explore Sora, identify the right solution for their needs, and navigate the path from first conversation to getting started.
 
James | Account Manager – jherod@overdrive.com
Have Sora but want to increase usage and engagement? Talk to James. He helps schools maximize their investment through onboarding, strategic planning, training, and student engagement initiatives that turn access into impact.
 
Rebecca | Digital Content Librarian – rdluback@overdrive.com
Want a collection your students will love? Talk to Rebecca. She curates ebooks and audiobooks, recommends high-interest titles, analyzes usage and collection trends, and helps schools build digital libraries that keep students reading.
 
Cara | Product Support Specialist – cleach@overdrive.com
Have a Sora question or need help with the platform? Talk to Cara. She helps with setup, product training, troubleshooting, and feature questions so your team can use Sora confidently and effectively.


Paylocity

Paylocity Launches Ignite AI — Redefining Industry AI Leadership

New agents automate work across the platform, while the centralized Paylocity Ignite AI Hub provides control, measures impact, and manages adoption.  Check out the full article to understand how this can benefit your school!

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Batteries Plus

Keep Essential Campus Equipment Ready to Start

School buses, backup generators, and maintenance vehicles are just a few examples of equipment that keeps campuses operating behind the scenes. Help ensure they're ready when needed by replacing aging batteries before they cause a no-start.

Login or register now to replace and save on starting batteries.

Already signed up? Ask the store associate to use your MISBO GPO account (search by company name, phone, or email) at checkout, or shop online anytime.

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Mackin

Mackin's August Newsletter is Here!

Dive into an inspiring author interview with Tiffany D. Jackson, discover free eBooks and audiobooks, register for upcoming Storyteller Spotlight events, explore fresh resources for grants and makerspaces, and check out featured books, publisher showcases, and more. There’s something for every educator and librarian—take a look

See Mackin's August Digest


Drone Launch Learning, LLC

Drone Launch Learning is one of MISBO’s newest partners, and we’re excited to share this opportunity with you.

You can explore the full catalog of courses and watch an overview video using the links below. Drone Launch Learning is available for purchase through the DER portal, or, if you’d like to try it first, you can sign up using the trial link provided.

Overview of all the Drone Launch Learning Courses

Watch the Overview Video

Trial Site Link

Username: sample@dronecurriculumsample.com
Password: Dronelaunchsample1!


Snacks & partner facts

Catch Up on the Snacks & Partner Facts You Missed!

Your favorite partners hosted some amazing Snacks & Partner Facts, featuring MISBO School Success Stories and informative, educational sessions designed to support and inspire your work!


Catch Up on Previous Snacks & Partner Facts Webinars Here

FUN WITH PURCHASING BLOG BY SUSAN

Your Back-to-School Purchasing Cheat Sheet

by Susan Kimmel

The buses are getting tuned up, the pencils are being sharpened, and school teams everywhere are officially back in action! Behind every smooth start is a whole lot of planning, purchasing, problem-solving, not to mention a LOT of caffeine.

Read More

CONTACT US

As always, we are here to help you find quality products and services at exceptional prices.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions, thoughts, or feedback!