How do Purchase Orders work?

Purchase orders are needed for all vendor purchases except routine monthly bills such as utilities, phones, or a vendor such as SOS Staffing where someone at the school signs for the service.

Purchase order numbers must appear on all invoices and documents relating to an order. Orders must be faxed or mailed. Do not place orders on the phone. This often leads to duplicate orders being sent to schools. RPO (Request for Purchase Order) numbers should NEVER be used for ordering. An RPO number means the money is available for the purchase. Until the Director of Business Services approves the Purchase Order, the purchase is not approved and cannot be made.

(for more specific instructions please see the appropriate section in the Finance Policies & Procedures handbook available on the Business Services homepage)