Free College Is Now a Reality in Nearly 30 States

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As someone who has worked in Accounts Payable for a K-12 school system, I can say with absolute certainty that we did NOT pay higher prices for computers, software, or lunch supplies.  We negotiated contracts every few years and companies put in bids to be a provider.  And if someone comes in and can deliver the same or better at a lower price, they will get the contract.  Might that be different somewhere else?  Sure.  But independent auditors come in and review those.  And the Board reviews everything before any decisions are made.  If we paid higher prices, we’d get in trouble.  Fiscal Responsibility is take very seriously.  And it is all public record.  Now, might someone look at a contract for computers and think it might *look* higher than what you think it should be?  Maybe.  But that computer contract might include free repairs and replacements.  Which might be frequent when second graders have 1to 1 laptops.

That's great, and yes, I know how some of this works. It is different across the US and I'm certain has other factors in play. I wish Fiscal responsibility was the norm ( perhaps it is and I've just been privy to too many that aren't) and counties could all figure out how to lessen expenditures, save money for future use and NOT be penalized if it *appears* that they didn't need all of the funding.