The Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s (SMBSD) Contracts and Procurement Division, led by Patricia McKnight, has earned the 2026 Achievement of Excellence in Procurement (AEP) Award from the National Procurement Institute, Inc. (NPI).

The SMBSD procurement team members are shown with their AEP award. (Courtesy photo)
The SMBSD procurement team members are shown with their AEP award. (Courtesy photo)

The AEP award recognizes organizational excellence in public procurement by measuring innovation, professionalism, productivity, leadership, and e-procurement practices.

SMBSD is among a group of only 251 public and nonprofit agencies across 28 U.S. states and Canada to receive the designation this year, chosen from a record-breaking pool of 269 applicants.

By earning this award, the SMBSD Contracts and Procurement Division demonstrates its ongoing commitment to rigorous professional standards, fiscal responsibility, and efficient operational practices that directly benefit local schools.

“Receiving the Achievement of Excellence in Procurement Award is a testament to our team’s dedication to high standards, transparency, and innovation,” said Patricia McKnight, director of the Contracts and Procurement Division. “Every contract we manage and every purchasing decision we make is handled with strict oversight.

“Our goal is to maximize taxpayer dollars so that our district’s resources can go directly toward supporting our classroom teachers, staff, and most importantly, our students.”

Established in 1995, the annual AEP program utilizes a comprehensive evaluation criteria designed to promote continuous improvement and elevate procurement as a vital contributor to good public governance.