By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
As I prepare for the 10th Annual OhioMBE Awards, celebrating the achievements of Ohio’s small businesses, the lack of progress at Columbus City Schools (CCS) continues to be a sore spot. While my annual celebration is the place to be on October 24, my passion for advocating for Black and LEDE (Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprises) businesses never takes a break.
Each morning, I call my grandson before school to remind him of two pieces of advice: “Do what is right” and “Treat everyone kind and good.” It’s simple, solid advice that Columbus City Schools should follow, particularly the Angela Chapman administration. Yet, their behavior toward Black and LEDE vendors makes it clear they have not embraced these principles.
As I’ve pointed out in the past, Columbus City Schools—the state’s largest public school district and recipient of over $100 million annually in property taxes—has yet to employ a dedicated supplier diversity professional. This absence is not just an oversight, it’s a reflection of the district’s lack of commitment to the Black business community. The insult continues with their generic, impersonal responses from an unstaffed department. Here’s an example of the disheartening email you’ll receive:
“Thank you for contacting CCS Outreach Services, we are confirming receipt of your email. Please allow at least two business days for a reply. For future reference: To ensure your email is forwarded to the appropriate team member please use the subject line to let us know how best to assist you; e.g. RE: LEDE information, RE: Bid information, or RE: RFP information.”
This automated message only raises more questions: Who are Black vendors supposed to call if they have questions? Why hasn’t someone been assigned the simple task of answering the phone and directing LEDE vendors to the appropriate person who can assist them? Why should they have to wait two business days for a reply when a dedicated staff member could handle these inquiries promptly and efficiently?
Who in district leadership thought this approach was acceptable? This isn’t merely about a lack of personnel; it’s a glaring display of the administration’s disregard for the businesses they claim to support. The indifference shown toward LEDE vendors by Angela Chapman’s administration is appalling. There’s no better word for it.
Columbus City Schools, under her leadership, is failing Black businesses. Period. If I were to grade their efforts on a five-star scale, they’d receive a half-star—generous, at that.
The time for excuses has long passed. It’s time for meaningful, structural change in how CCS supports the Black and disadvantaged business community. Leadership should take the advice I give my grandson to heart: “Do what is right” and “Treat everyone kind and good.”
just my thoughts…
