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Why Good Co-op Contracts Still Lose to Quick Workarounds

This short article from Staples Business explores a familiar challenge in K‑12 procurement: why everyday school purchases don’t always flow through the cooperative contracts you already have in place.

Inside, you’ll learn:

  • What the “co‑op usage gap” looks like in real districts
  • Why compliant contracts still lose to marketplace convenience
  • Common pain points for principals, secretaries, and finance teams
  • How fragmented buying creates noise for audits and budget reviews
  • Practical first steps to make co‑op purchasing the easiest choice

Read the article to see how small, intentional changes can help your district tighten compliance, reduce friction, and maximize the value of your existing co‑ops.