Meet the Department: Purchasing

The purchasing department is responsible for assisting Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD campuses and department personnel with the purchasing of supplies and services. The department qualifies vendors, maintains and negotiates contracts, and ensures that CFBISD complies with all federal, state and local guidelines.

“The purchasing department can be a valuable tool in helping source items and services needed in our district,” said Tammy Craig, director of purchasing. “We value our customers and strive to provide excellent service while also getting the best value.”

Leaders in the department, Tammy Craig and Shannon Allen, worked to revamp several processes to help streamline purchases and maintain compliance. 

“This has been a huge undertaking that came with a lot of growing pains,” Craig said. “However, it is vital to the continued success of CFBISD.”

As the department’s slogan says, “no PO, no go,” purchase orders are necessary for staff to complete before ordering. Even in emergency situations, Craig answers calls after-hours for maintenance and other departments needing emergency purchases. 

“Purchase orders protect the end-user, our staff and our district from severe repercussions, such as losing funding for certain programs,” Craig said. 

There are currently seven staff members in the department that office at the CFBISD service center. They are:

  • Tammy Craig, Director of Purchasing

  • Shannon Allen, Purchasing Supervisor

  • Jose Bocanegra, Purchasing Secretary

  • Daniela Penaloza, Contract Specialist

  • Norma Mendez, Buyer

  • Valerie Lopez, Buyer

  • Karelia Cabrera, Buyer

Interesting Facts:

During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the department processed more than $13,000 purchase orders totaling around $100-million dollars, with the largest order totaling more than $18 million for renovations at several CFBISD elementary schools.

“Our department is excited to begin a new fiscal year fully-staffed and ready to serve,” Craig said.

To learn more about the purchasing department, please visit their website.