Website Brings Recognition To Purchasing Department

Fulton County School System Purchasing Agent Wilma Gibbs-Matthews is a recipient of the 2001 Pinnacle of Achievement Award from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO). The award recognizes outstanding practices and new ideas that result in significant contributions to school systems and school business management.

Gibbs-Matthews was commended for her work in developing the Purchasing Department's World Wide Web site, www.fcspurchasingdept.org. The site, the first separate school system purchasing site in Georgia, provides wider vendor competition and better communication with both employees and vendors. Vendors register on-line to be placed on the system bid list, receive information on how to do business with the system, and view current job solicitations, while employees and departments use e-commerce technology to order from 11 vendors who have negotiated contracts with the school system. It is estimated that the site saves the school system more than $100,000 annually.

ASBO, in partnership with Virco Mfg. Corporation, established the Pinnacle Awards Program to honor the innovative spirit of school business officials. As a recipient, Gibbs-Matthews receives a crystal award and a $1,000 check. She also was recognized by the Fulton County Board of Education in August.