The National Office Products Alliance (NOPA) in the US has applauded the decision of the Lee County School District in Florida to terminate its relationship with Office Depot.

The decidion was based on the results of a thorough audit by Director of Audit Bob Brown, of office supplies pricing and actual charges under the U.S. Communities national contract, and the recommendations of Superintendent Dr. James Browder.

"Their actions serve as a bright beacon to local governments and school districts that suspect they may have overpaid for office supplies under similar contracts," said Chip Jones, chairman of NOPA and president of Minton-Jones, an independent office products dealer in Atlanta, GA.

The need for an audit was first brought to school district’s attention two years ago by former Office Depot employee and now federally protected whistle-blower David Sherwin. Lee County officials announced their decision yesterday to terminate their contract with Office Depot and sign a $297,000 settlement with the company.