New Wal-Mart purchasing policy costs Tulsa educators flexibility

Wednesday, November 29th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A new purchasing policy at Wal-Mart is causing concern in Oklahoma school districts. Until recently, teachers could charge approved supplies, turn in receipts, and the school districts paid the invoice. As of November 1, Wal-Mart will not allow such charges, and schools say that's costing them freedom and flexibility.

Tulsa Public Schools says it was convenient for educators to charge supplies at Wal-Mart stores, where the district spent more than $100,000 last year. Wal-Mart no longer allows in-house charges. The company says any purchases not made by check, cash or credit card require the new Wal-Mart community and business charge card. However, schools say that payment method poses problems. "We're concerned about having a large number of charge cards in circulation,â€ said Linda Phillips, T-P-S director of purchasing. â€œWe don't have them now, and there is some question at the state auditor's office as to whether they are authorized for school districts' use."

Tulsa Public Schools sent word to all sites, telling them not to apply for the cards. For now, schools are left with the following options for purchase. Use petty cash, have teachers submit a list of supplies, wait for a check, then buy the supplies, or ask teachers to pay for the goods and be reimbursed. All of these methods are inconvenient for busy teachers. "This is a real service for educators,â€ explained Lee School Principal Sharon Atcheson. â€œWhen they need something for their classrooms or a program or a unit they're teaching, they like to be able to get those things right now for the children."

Phillips says the issue affects schools large and small. "We have talked with some people in the far reaches of the state that don't have the alternatives of other retail stores,â€ she noted. â€œTheir prime source of supply may be the Wal-Mart store on the corner."

Phillips chairs a committee examining possible changes in state law to give schools better purchasing options, such as the Internet. She says a procurement card is the best alternative for the large number of small dollar purchases schools make. "It's an efficient way to handle the transactions as long as you have the proper controls in place," she explained. Meanwhile, Phillips stressed that schools seek a win-win solution that benefits both Wal-Mart, other retailers as well as education.

Wal-Mart declined our request for an on camera interview. A spokesperson said the company made the change for efficiency's sake, and is working to make the transition as smooth as possible for schools.