Abilene ISD -

Last year, the Abilene ISD Purchasing Department was, for the first time, one of the school districts, open-enrollment charter schools, or education service centers recognized by The Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) with a 2024 Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations.

Checking that goal off her to-do list left AISD Director of Purchasing Lisa Metcalf feeling honored, humbled, and proud of the staff she works with daily. So, when she learned last month that the department was honored as one of the 80 winners of the 2025 Award of Merit, Metcalf felt even more satisfied with what her team had achieved.

“Receiving TASBO’s Purchasing Award of Merit last year was wonderful, especially since it was our first time applying,” Metcalf said. “The second year is equally important because once you earn that recognition, there’s a strong desire to win the award again. The Abilene ISD Purchasing Department works diligently daily to assist and support all aspects of AISD. Our purchasing department team is exceptional, and we are honored to receive the TASBO Purchasing Award of Merit again this year.”

Abilene ISD was one of 80 school districts across Texas honored last month for following best practices in purchasing operations. With 1,200 school districts in Texas, this is truly a prestigious award. Members of the district’s purchasing team were honored at an awards reception sponsored by BuyBoard Purchasing Cooperative in Austin on Wednesday, Feb. 26, during the 2025 TASBO Annual Conference.

The Award of Merit was established in 2009 to recognize Texas education systems that adhere to professional standards in procuring goods and services. 

Each year, TASBO's Purchasing and Supply Management Research Committee volunteers evaluate the award criteria to ensure they represent the latest best practices. They then review new and recertification applications.

“We’re proud of our honorees' work to streamline school purchasing operations, comply with regulations, and set the standard for using taxpayer dollars,” said Tracy Ginsburg, TASBO Executive Director. “These organizations have demonstrated their professional expertise by documenting their districts’ policies and procedures and shared these best practices with colleagues across Texas.”