Published June 17, 2026 at 5:31 AM EDT

Pittsburgh Public Schools could soon be required to launch a competitive bidding process for nearly all large contracts it enters into.

State law does not regulate how school districts contract for services from professionals, such as architects, lawyers and consultants. But city controller Rachael Heisler, who also serves as PPS’s controller, told board members Monday that putting these services through a more rigorous bidding process would result in better stewardship of public funds.

“From my perspective, this is an excellent and prudent place to start,” she said. “Maximizing the value of every dollar for every kid and family that this district serves needs to be a priority for Pittsburgh Public Schools.”

Last year, Heisler issued a report that argued PPS is losing out on millions in savings by approving most of its contracts without first going through a competitive bidding process.

An analysis by Heisler’s office found that between January 2024 and October 2025, only 44 of the nearly 500 contracts PPS entered into went through the recommended process.

The district is now considering policy changes that would require administrators to solicit multiple bids when contracting for professional services, in addition to contracts for materials and supplies.

The new language would also ensure the competitive bidding process is used for all contracts valued at or above the minimum set annually by the state’s Department of Labor and Industry. For 2026, that’s any contract worth $24,500 or more.

The proposed policies were drafted in consultation with Heisler and PPS chief financial officer Ron Joseph. He said the district is now evaluating how many of its current contracts, as well as those up for renewal soon, would fall under the bidding provision.

And the new policy would include exemptions for emergency contracts, instances in which the service requested can only be provided by a single source, and contracts that must be continued to maintain the district’s essential functions.

Heisler said the latter exemption is also found in the City of Pittsburgh’s bylaws, which allows contracts to continue when switching providers would otherwise disrupt public access to services.

While school districts in Pennsylvania aren’t required to publicly bid professional services, Heisler said doing so would go a long way toward ensuring every taxpayer dollar is spent responsibly.

She pointed to the School District of Philadelphia, where leaders have adopted a more thorough bidding process.

All professional services or capital contracts greater than $100,000 must go through a bidding process. The school district recommends the same procedure for any contract over $20,000.

“Philly and Pittsburgh are different in almost every way, but this [proposed policy] mirrors that, from my perspective, in a very nice and complimentary way,” Heisler said.