Spring Into Smart Purchasing

March is here. The days are getting longer, spring break is approaching, and campuses are looking ahead to the final stretch of the school year. Before everyone heads out for a well-deserved break, it is a great time to make smart purchasing decisions that will set your school up for success.

March is a strategic month for reviewing budgets, preparing for summer needs, and getting ahead of end of year purchases. Here is a department-by-department guide to help your team prepare before leaving for spring break.

Business Office – Money Moves for March

Trend: March is a prime time to revisit budgets and evaluate core financial systems before renewal season begins.

• Reconcile now, relax later: Review open POs and outstanding invoices before break to avoid April surprises.
• Forecast summer needs: Lock in early pricing on bulk supplies and end-of-year essentials.
• Spend strategically: Place key orders now before vendor lead times increase.
• Review tuition management systems: Assess payment flexibility, cash flow tools, integration, and processing fees.
• Evaluate accounting or ERP software: Examine reporting capabilities, audit readiness, and workflow efficiency.
• Check renewal timelines: Many systems renew July 1. Start reviewing contracts now to allow time for negotiation.
• Plan for summer implementation: If a change is needed, summer provides the smoothest transition window.

Check out these partners that support your business office:

BUSINESS & FINANCIAL SERVICES PARTNERS

Human Resources: Hiring, Retention and Systems Check

Trend: Spring hiring, contract renewals, and retention planning accelerate in March, making it a key month to evaluate both people and systems.

• Prepare for contract season: Review employment agreements, salary scales, stipends, and renewal timelines before issuing next year’s contracts.
• Evaluate payroll and HRIS systems: Assess integration with accounting, reporting accuracy, onboarding tools, compliance tracking, and employee self service functionality.
• Begin benefits renewal planning: Meet with brokers early to review health insurance, retirement contributions, and ancillary benefits before rates are finalized.
• Analyze retention and turnover data: Review exit feedback, compensation competitiveness, and staffing trends before finalizing next year’s budget.
• Strengthen recruiting strategy: Evaluate applicant tracking systems, background check vendors, and recruitment advertising platforms ahead of peak hiring season.
• Align professional development with retention goals: Prioritize leadership development and growth opportunities that support long term staff commitment.
• Conduct a compliance check: Ensure certifications, licenses, I 9 documentation, ACA reporting, and handbook updates are current before audit season.

Check out these partners that support your HR Department: 

HR SOLUTIONS PARTNERS

Facilities: Preparing for Spring and Summer Maintenance

Trend: Warmer weather increases demand for outdoor maintenance, HVAC service, and planning for summer campus projects.

• Order outdoor equipment and landscaping supplies: Purchase mowers, irrigation parts, mulch, and field equipment before seasonal demand increases.
• Schedule preventative maintenance: Book HVAC inspections, roof checks, and mechanical system servicing before vendor schedules fill.
• Plan summer facilities projects: Finalize scopes and order materials for classroom renovations, flooring replacement, painting, and campus improvements.
• Evaluate furniture needs: Order classroom furniture, dorm furniture, and common area seating early to allow for summer delivery and installation.
• Review safety and compliance supplies: Replenish first aid kits, signage, emergency lighting, AED supplies, and other safety equipment.
• Stock custodial and maintenance supplies: Ensure adequate inventory of cleaning chemicals, filters, bulbs, and repair parts before the end-of-year rush.
• Coordinate with academic and tech teams: Align facilities work with technology upgrades, classroom changes, and summer program schedules.

Check out these partners that support the Facilities Department:

GENERAL FACILITIES Partners

FACILITIES – CONSULTING

FACILITIES - JANITORIAL

FACILITIES – MRO

FACILITIES – SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

FURNITURE

Technology: Planning for Summer Rollouts

Trend: March is a key time for technology teams to audit inventory, plan device replacements, and secure equipment and services needed for summer upgrades.

• Conduct a full inventory audit: Review devices, accessories, and spare equipment before ordering replacements.
• Plan device lifecycle replacements: Identify aging laptops, tablets, and classroom technology that should be replaced over the summer.
• Order hardware early: Purchase laptops, chargers, carts, network equipment, and classroom technology now to avoid summer supply chain delays.
• Review software subscriptions and warranties: Confirm renewals for productivity tools, security platforms, and device warranties before expiration.
• Evaluate core technology systems: Review contracts and performance for systems such as the SIS, LMS, device management, and cybersecurity platforms.
• Plan summer infrastructure projects: Coordinate upgrades to wireless networks, servers, classroom AV systems, and security systems while students are off campus.
• Align with academic and facilities teams: Confirm technology needs for classroom changes, new programs, and facility renovations.

Check out these partners that support your Technology Department:

TECHNOLOGY - CONSULTING

TECHNOLOGY – COPIERS & PRINTERS

TECHNOLOGY - HARDWARE

TECHNOLOGY - SOFTWARE

Library: Refreshing Resources for Spring Learning

Trend: March is a strong month for reading initiatives, digital resource evaluations, and preparing for summer reading programs.

• Update collections: Order new releases and high-interest titles to support spring reading initiatives and student engagement.
• Review digital subscriptions and research databases: Evaluate usage and renewal timelines for eBooks, research platforms, and academic databases.
• Plan summer reading resources: Order recommended reading titles and digital access options for students over the summer.
• Refresh learning and maker resources: Consider updates to maker space supplies, classroom collaboration tools, and research materials that support curriculum needs.
• Order book care and organization supplies: Replenish book covers, labels, shelving bins, and repair materials to maintain the collection.
• Evaluate library management systems: Review catalog platforms, circulation tools, and discovery systems to ensure they support student access and reporting needs.

Check out these partners that support your library:

DIGITAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES PARTNERS

EDUCATION & CURRICULUM PARTNERS

WINDOW SHOP THE MISBO DER PORTAL

Final Thoughts

Before setting your out-of-office message for spring break, take a few minutes to review your department’s purchasing priorities. March is a great time to reconcile budgets, review contracts, and plan for summer projects before vendor schedules and lead times tighten.

If you are evaluating new systems, supplies, or services, MISBO’s network of trusted Partners can help. From business operations and HR solutions to facilities, technology, and educational resources, MISBO Partners understand the unique needs of independent schools and can support smarter purchasing decisions. Thoughtful planning in March can help ensure a smooth and stress-free end of the school year.