CVCC awarded "Exemplary Saver" status by Ohio Schools Council

The Ohio Schools Council (OSC), a consortium of 157 school districts created to "save schools dollars" through cooperative purchasing, recently awarded the "Exemplary Saver" status to the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center (CVCC). The award was presented at the OSC's 25th Anniversary Celebration October 11 held in Broadview Heights, Ohio. The district was recognized as being one of the top 25% districts for savings dollars, according to Dr. David Cottrell, the Executive Director. The awards were sponsored by Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP.

CVCC's participation in the joint purchase of utilities such as gas, electric and numerous supply products was exemplary and further evidences the district's commitment to using tax dollars as wisely as possible through sharing of services and the power of joining forces with other districts.

While public school districts in the greater Cleveland area have been jointly purchasing products since the early 1970's, the OSC was formed by school superintendents 25 years ago as a Council of Governments, which is a political sub-division of the State of Ohio. The OSC was initially involved in the negotiation of utility contracts for schools and more traditional cooperative purchasing programs. In fact, over the last two years the schools saved just over 25 million dollars on electricity. During the 2010-2011 school year, schools saved $2.2 million dollars on the purchase of natural gas, says Dr. Cottrell.

The OSC is governed by representative superintendents, elected by member school districts that also provide feedback concerning programs that are needed. The combined purchasing power of the 457,000 students in 28 counties enrolled in OSC schools continues to result in a savings of millions of taxpayer dollars.