Before entering into a contract in an amount in excess of $15,000.00 for any materials, supplies, or equipment or a contract in an amount in excess of $15,000.00 for construction of a new building, or addition to or repair or renovation of an existing building, the board of a district of the first class, or any other purchasing authority within a district of the first class, shall obtain sealed competitive bids, and the district shall award such a contract using this competitive bid process. This section does not prohibit a district from making a public request for proposals before requesting bids and does not prohibit a district from awarding a contract based on a combination of price, quality, and service factors. A school official or member of a school board or other person who neglects or refuses to do or perform an act required by this section, or who violates or knowingly permits or consents to a violation of this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00, or imprisonment for not more than 3 months, or both.