As Publisher of OhioMBE and author of a recent column examining the Columbus City Schools (CCS) LEDE (Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise) program, I raised serious concerns about the district’s lack of transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with local small businesses.
In that column, I questioned how an Outreach Office that has existed for more than 20 years could now claim to be “rebuilding its foundation” while all community engagement has stalled. I also highlighted the troubling disparity between Columbus-based businesses that pay property taxes and the limited percentage of those same businesses receiving district contracts.
Equally troubling has been the district’s conduct toward community collaboration. After multiple meetings with CCS leadership and the Office of Outreach Services — and after submitting detailed proposals to improve the LEDE program — my work and ideas were later incorporated into a district RFP without acknowledgment or partnership.
If students engaged in that conduct, it would be called plagiarism and a failure of integrity. It should not be tolerated from district leadership entrusted with public funds and community partnerships.
I reached out to all Columbus City Schools Board of Education candidates to share these concerns and ask for their positions on:
- Strengthening transparency and oversight within the LEDE program
- Ensuring fair contracting access for Columbus-based small businesses
- Rebuilding authentic community collaboration and respect for public trust
To date, two candidates have responded — both expressing a strong commitment to integrity, accountability, and equitable contracting.
🗳️ Janeece Keyes
“I share your concerns about how Columbus City Schools has handled the LEDE program and broader vendor relationships. Since Terri Wise’s departure, there hasn’t been clear or open communication with local businesses or consistent collaboration with community partners.
The LEDE program should be more than a box to check — it should be a meaningful pathway for local, economically disadvantaged businesses to participate in district opportunities.
If elected, I will work to strengthen oversight and transparency in the LEDE program, ensure fair contracting opportunities for Columbus-based small businesses, and rebuild trust through authentic collaboration.”
— Janeece Keyes, Candidate for Columbus City Schools Board of Education
🗳️ Dr. Jermaine Kennedy
“Strong schools and thriving local economies go hand in hand. I’m committed to rebuilding that bridge through integrity, openness, and shared accountability.
If elected, I will strengthen transparency and oversight across district contracts, ensure equitable access for Columbus-based and minority-owned businesses, and rebuild genuine collaboration between the district and local partners.”
— Dr. Jermaine Kennedy, Candidate for Columbus City Schools Board of Education
OhioMBE will continue to advocate for transparency, fairness, and community accountability within all public contracting programs.
Stay informed and read the original column at OhioMBE.com
