COOPERATIVE PURCHASING

SCSC Announces New Cooperative Purchasing Partnerships

LightSPEED Technologies for Classroom Sound Systems
South Central Service Cooperative announces a new partnership with LightSPEED Technologies. LightSPEED manufactures classroom and portable sound systems. They were selected as the primary supplier of these systems in accordance with Minnesota bid laws, through a formal bid process that was conducted by a group of seven regional service cooperatives in Minnesota. A panel comprised of cooperative purchasing coordinators and audiologists evaluated the bids, heard presentations from the bidders and tested the systems before selecting LightSPEED as the awarded vendor.

“The choice was based upon several factors,” said Julie Baslington, audiologist at Lakes Country Service Cooperative. “First of all, the FM (radio frequency) systems we have used in the past have gone up in price. LightSPEED offered us an infrared system, which is newer technology, for less money than the other companies’ FM systems.”

This infrared system, LightSPEED’s 820-LD, is a classroom sound system that comes with a receiver/amplifier, an infrared sensor, one LightMic, four ceiling speakers and rechargeable batteries. The cost for this system is $921 and it carries a 5-year warranty. In addition, LightSPEED will accept trade-ins of old systems, working or not, and give a $125 credit for each unit purchased. The advantage of the infrared system is that it works on “line-of-sight.” Line-of-sight is the direct free-space path that exists between two points. There must be no obstructions between the two locations or the transmission will be lost. So when a teacher leaves the classroom, the line-of-site is obstructed and the system no longer works. When the teacher returns to the classroom, it starts functioning again. That was not the case with FM systems. With an FM system, for example, if the teacher left the classroom to meet a parent in the hallway and forgot to turn the system off, those in the classroom could hear the entire conversation between the teacher and the parent.

Another advantage of the 820-LD is that the receiver/amplifier is built to handle two channels. By adding a second microphone and sensor, you can upgrade it to a two-channel system.

LightSPEED also has Assistive Listening Devices and Portable Presentation Systems. They will work with you to design systems that meet your specific needs.

For more information about LightSPEED, contact Ken Engstrom at 888-573-7887 or ken.engstrom@lightspeed-tek.com.

Scholastic Equipment Company for Furniture and Equipment
South Central Service Cooperative also entered into a new partnership with Scholastic Equipment Company to offer members discounted pricing on educational furniture and equipment. They have an extensive offering of high quality, durable products that will meet your needs.

Scholastic Equipment offers a wide variety of furnishings, including:

• Classroom Desks, Chairs and Tables
• Folding Tables and Chairs
• Storage Furniture
• Bulletin Boards
• Cafeteria Tables, Stages, Choral Risers
• Early Childhood Furniture
• Computer Lab Furniture
• Library Furniture
• Carpet
• Stage Curtains
• Lockers
• Restroom Partitions

Discounts range from 24% to 49% off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Quantity discounts are available. If you are unsure of your furniture needs, Scholastic Equipment offers a design service, free of charge, to help determine the best furniture options and layout for your facility.

For more information about Scholastic Equipment, or to receive a free price quote, contact Randy Danielson at 800-459-8527 or randy.danielson@comcast.net.

 

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