PSUSD Board Study Session 6.9.2026

The Palm Springs Unified School District Board held a study session on June 9, 2026, focused on expanding local vendor participation, supplier diversity, and community partnership opportunities in procurement. The session included a detailed presentation by the district's purchasing director and legal counsel outlining current procurement practices, legal restrictions, and potential strategies to enhance small and local business engagement. Key topics discussed included the limitations on providing bid-specific guidance, the necessity of maintaining transparency and fairness, and the challenges posed by insurance and fingerprinting requirements for vendors providing on-site services. The board explored options such as establishing quarterly workshops for new vendors, hosting vendor expos, improving vendor outreach lists, and considering small business preference programs within legal thresholds. The discussion emphasized the importance of being intentional in supporting local and diverse businesses while adhering to procurement laws. The board expressed interest in developing policies to institutionalize these efforts and revisiting progress annually to ensure continuous improvement in supplier diversity and local vendor inclusion.