FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
Contact: Sabrina Soto
866.682.2729 x7088
[email protected]
ASBO International Welcomes KPN and PEPPM as Affinity Partners, Strengthening Cooperative Purchasing for School Business Professionals
Reston, VA – The Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO) is proud to announce a new Affinity Partnership with KPN and PEPPM, two nationally recognized cooperative purchasing programs that empower school business professionals to make smarter, more efficient procurement decisions.
Operated by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), both KPN and PEPPM are designed specifically for the education sector, offering streamlined access to competitively bid contracts that meet Uniform Grant (UG) compliance standards. With more than 45 years of experience, these programs have become trusted resources for K–12 schools seeking transparency, accountability, and cost savings in their purchasing processes.
“KPN and PEPPM each bring tremendous value to school districts, but together they form a powerhouse of cooperative purchasing,” said Jim Rowan, CAE, SFO, ASBO International’s Executive Director.
Through this partnership, ASBO International members gain enhanced access to cooperative purchasing tools that reduce administrative burden, ensure compliance, and deliver real value to school districts. Whether sourcing technology, classroom supplies, or facility services, KPN and PEPPM help school business professionals focus more on student success and less on paperwork.
“We are proud to have KPN–PEPPM recognized as an ASBO Affinity Partner. This collaboration reinforces our shared commitment to supporting school business officials by providing trusted cooperative purchasing solutions that promote efficiency, transparency, and fiscal responsibility. Through this partnership, we aim to empower educational institutions with access to competitively bid contracts and meaningful cost savings.” -Thomas R. Caruso, Director of Cooperative Purchasing
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About ASBO International
Founded in 1910, the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO Intl.) is a nonprofit association offering programs, resources, services, and a global network to K–12 finance and operations decision‑makers. Our members manage budgeting, procurement, facilities, human resources, technology, transportation, food service, healthcare, and more, upholding the highest standards of school business management and driving the effective use of educational resources. Through professional certifications, advocacy, and year‑round development opportunities, ASBO International equips school business officials to deliver operational excellence and support student success.
Learn more at asbointl.org.
About KPN and PEPPM
KPN and PEPPM are nationally recognized cooperative purchasing programs administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU), a public educational service agency. Both programs use a publicly advertised, competitive Request for Bids (RFB) process to award contracts to the lowest responsive and responsible bidders, ensuring transparency, compliance, and savings. KPN focuses on facility and operational needs, while PEPPM specializes in technology procurement for public agencies. For over 45 years, these programs have helped schools and public organizations simplify purchasing with trusted products, discounted pricing, and UG-compliant procedures.
Learn more at www.theKPN.org and www.peppm.org.