As we detailed in a prior alert, Section 10-20.21 of the School Code was amended to increase the competitive bidding threshold from $25,000 to $35,000. The amendments went into effect January 1, 2024. Therefore, school districts are now required to award all contracts for the purchase of supplies and materials or work involving expenditure in excess of $35,000, or a lower amount as required by board policy, to the lowest responsible bidder, unless a statutory exception applies.  

Now that the amendment is in effect, school boards should review their board policies concerning bidding to ensure they reflect the $35,000 bid threshold. Otherwise, any lower bidding threshold as established by board policy will control.