Managing Back to School, Tariffs, and Your Budget
Presented by:
As students and educators return to school this fall, one thing that is affecting everyone are tariffs. The rising cost of goods and services across the technology department in addition to departments across the school has everyone feeling the pinch. In addition, families are bearing the increasing costs of back-to-school supplies, ingredients for lunches, and sporting equipment among other expenses. Add to that severe cuts to the supplemental nutritional assistance program (SNAP) which has an additional effect on families who qualify for financial aid.
You won’t want to miss this informative ATLIS session with guest speakers from Educational Collaborators and STS Education to learn more about the challenges manufactures and technology services providers are facing, and to discuss strategies for managing increasing costs to your technology budget and your school.
Takeaways
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Navigating Market Volatility
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods that can cause significant price fluctuations, supply chain shortages, and disrupt product availability, making technology purchasing for schools increasingly complex and unpredictable.
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Proactive Purchasing is Key
To mitigate the impact of tariffs and market shifts, schools should engage in proactive strategies like forecasting needs early, exploring alternative vendors and refurbished options, and getting creative with financing to stabilize their budgets.
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Communication with Stakeholders
Effective management of these challenges requires clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, including school leadership, finance officers, and faculty, to set realistic expectations and make informed, flexible purchasing decisions.
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Beyond the Price Tag
When evaluating technology, it is crucial to look beyond the immediate price and consider the geopolitical factors, manufacturing shifts, and long-term product availability to ensure the sustainability of your technology plan.
