Henry County Schools Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Purchasing

HENRY COUNTY, GA – The National Procurement Institute (NPI) recently named Henry County Schools as a 2026 winner of the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award.

HCS is one of eight school districts in Georgia, and 33 school systems throughout the United States and Canada, that won this year’s award.

“I am incredibly proud of the purchasing team’s achievement,” Henry County Schools Chief Financial Officer Shanika Clay said. “There has been a transformation in practices since July 2019, from the implementation of digital solicitation practices to the creation of vendor informational forums. This award signifies that the team’s practices align with the highest standards in public procurement and acknowledges a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.”

The AEP Award is open to all public and nonprofit organizations. It evaluates innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e-procurement practices against best practices in the profession. The award elevates procurement as a vital contributor to good governance.

“The 2026 AEP Award reflects the extraordinary commitment of procurement professionals who are driving performance, accountability, and strategic value for their agencies,” National Procurement Institute AEP Officer Carrie Mathes said.

The purchasing team is responsible for acquiring goods and services, managing vendor contracts, and reducing costs for Henry County Schools.

The AEP Award is the latest recognition of fiscal responsibility and transparency for HCS.

Among Georgia’s 10 largest school districts, HCS is one of four that maintains a Financial Efficiency Star Rating of 4.0 or higher from the state.

In recent years, HCS has made significant investments in resources for literacy, writing, STEM, and Beyond the Core courses and prioritized competitive compensation in the midst of increasing state-mandated expenses and limits to local control of funding.

“Our purchasing team’s diligence and efficiency have enhanced our learning and work environments during a financially challenging time for public schools,” Superintendent Dr. John Pace III said. “I am grateful to have such conscientious stewards in our Purchasing Department and Business and Financial Services Division.”