We Ran the Numbers and Purchasing Just Got Interesting
The School Side of the Story
Let’s be honest. Purchasing reports don’t usually make for exciting reading. But when we looked at how MISBO schools are using the purchasing consortium so far this year, the numbers told a pretty interesting story.
So far in 2026, 381 member schools have spent more than $27.4 million through consortium partners, generating more than $9.3 million in documented savings along the way.
That’s not just smart purchasing. It’s strategic stewardship.
Here are a few numbers that caught our attention:
- 2,779 partner-school connections across the consortium
- 7 average number of partners used per school
- 120 schools have already spent more than $50,000 through consortium contracts this year
- 66 schools have exceeded $100,000 in consortium purchases
- 34¢ in documented savings for every dollar spent
The MISBO Purchasing Consortium helps business officers stretch budgets, simplify purchasing decisions, and connect with trusted vendors who understand independent schools. And schools across the MISBO region are proving that strategic purchasing can make a meaningful impact regardless of size.
The Partner Side of the Story
The MISBO Purchasing Consortium isn’t just a collection of contracts. It’s a network of trusted resources. This year, MISBO schools worked with consortium partners across nearly every area of school operations, from facilities and technology to office supplies and educational resources.
The Top Five Most-Used Partners
- The Home Depot (Facilities): 215 schools
- CDW-G (Technology):152 schools
- School Specialty (School Supplies & Equipment):127 schools
- BrainPOP (Digital Educational Resources):118 schools
- Staples Business Advantage (Office Supplies):112 schools
What does that tell us?
Schools aren’t using the consortium for just one type of purchase. They’re building purchasing strategies that support nearly every corner of campus operations. Whether it’s a major facilities project, classroom resources, technology upgrades, or everyday supplies, consortium partnerships are helping schools save time and money.
By the Numbers
381 schools. 159 partners. $27.4 million in spend. $9.3 million in savings.
That’s a lot of purchasing power.
Ready to Make Your Numbers More Interesting?
This year, MISBO schools generated more than $9.3 million in documented savings through consortium partnerships. The question is: How much could your school save?
Whether you’re already using consortium partners or just getting started, the MISBO Purchasing Toolkit can help you uncover new opportunities, simplify your purchasing process, and maximize your membership benefits.
Inside the Toolkit, you’ll find:
- Partner Connect to quickly connect with trusted vendors
- School Scout to see which partners other schools are using
- Benefits Report Download to track and showcase your savings
- Vendor Analysis to identify additional savings opportunities
- Buyer’s Guide to explore consortium partners and categories
- Feedback Forum to give feedback on the partnerships you utilize
Take a few minutes to explore the toolkit, discover a new partner, or run a Vendor Analysis. You might be surprised by what you find. Three hundred eight-one schools have already made purchasing more interesting. Is your school next?
Explore the Purchasing Toolkit: Purchasing Toolkit
Susan Kimmel
Director of the Purchasing Consortium
404.920.8844
Susan curates the MISBO Purchasing Consortium by maintaining and enhancing current partner relationships and pursuing new partnerships based on the needs of our members. Susan educates and informs members of the benefits of utilizing the MISBO Purchasing Consortium. She facilitates communications with partners concerning contracts and product offerings and assists in providing optimal partner exposure. Susan has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, an MBA with an emphasis in MIS, and a certificate in Social Media Marketing, Leadership Excellence, and AI Prompting. In her spare time, Susan is a mom to four grown kids, Gigi to five adorable grandbabies, a personal growth junkie, crochet hobbyist, travel enthusiast, dog lover ... cat tolerator, DIY wanna-be, outdoorsy-ish, and an occasional binge watcher.
You want the best products and services at the best value. MISBO is here to make that simple. Whether you're looking for a trusted partner, have questions, or want expert guidance, our team is ready to help. Let us know what you need, we're just a message away.
You can reach Susan at the number and e-mail above, or set up a Zoom call with her here: Schedule Susan