By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
The Columbus Board of Election, recently scrutinized for their forceful tax levy request from the Black community, funded a trip to San Diego that’s now under the spotlight. In October, board members, including Boardmember Cole and his wife, a district employee, attended a conference in California. This lavish spending occurred just before the community, influenced by the district’s levy campaign, voted to approve the levy this month. I am awaiting the total cost of the trip.
The decision to indulge in a luxurious San Diego conference starkly contrasts with their urgent appeals for more funds. The board had been vocal about a budget crisis, threatening to cut low-level positions, yet remained silent about the top-heavy, high-paid administrators. This raises serious questions about their claims of financial hardship and their commitment to equitable fiscal responsibility.
Attendees have praised the high-end accommodations and gourmet food at the conference, underscoring the board’s willingness to spend extravagantly. This splurge might feel like a betrayal to the Black community, who were persuaded by the district’s campaign.
This scenario prompts critical questions: Will this opulent trip contribute to improving the poor academic ratings highlighted by the Ohio Department of Education? Is it a step towards addressing racial biases against Black vendors, or will it help increase the paltry $8 million spent on Black businesses out of their $332 million budget? The community is left hoping that the district will begin to prioritize Black children and Black vendors with the same zeal and resources they displayed for this conference, rather than threatening the livelihoods of lower-level employees while sparing top administrators.
I can’t believe what you say, because I see what you do…James Baldwin
just my thoughts…rwb
