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I am a proud Columbus City School graduate. Mrs. Kruckenberg is that special teacher I had in the fourth and fifth grades. I will always remember her. She taught me how to read, write and figure. She ran a stern stiff no-nonsense classroom. She expected us to learn. Her former students include nurses, lawyers, engineers, business owners, captains of industry and public servants. I always say because of Mrs. Kruckenberg’s influence and my Columbus City School education, I can compete with anyone on the planet.
I am Columbus City School proud. I dedicate a scholarship in my father’s honor to Columbus City School graduates for post-secondary education or training.
Columbus City Schools students are presently interning in my office. The internship will be turning into employment.
I am a supporter of the students and the many positive things that are going on in the district.
As the state’s largest public school district, I question the district’s mission and motives, particularly where disadvantaged businesses are concerned. Is the district incorporating disadvantaged businesses in its purchasing scheme? The district has a race-neutral certification program. Businesses that participate in the Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprises (LEDE) program have a net worth less than $750,000 not counting their primary residence and investment in the company. The business must be located in Franklin County or 50 percent of the employees must reside in the district. The business has to be in operation for at least one year. The district has an equity policy as it pertains LEDE companies.
The policy reads: The Board affirms its commitment to its “Equity Policy.” The School District seeks to include LEDEs in all aspects of its contracting for construction, professional and non-professional services and procurement of goods and supplies activities by adopting this statement (this “LEDE Statement”). Specifically, this LEDE Statement seeks to achieve the goal of awarding to LEDEs School District contracts and procurements which represent at least twenty percent (20%) of all dollars spent on an annual basis by the School District for contracting and procurement purposes (the “LEDE Participation Goal”). The School District is committed to ensuring that all citizens and/or lawfully admitted permanent residents in the School District community who are qualified contractors, subcontractors, professionals, suppliers, and other service providers have a fair and equitable opportunity to participate in the contracting and procurement activities of the School District.
The 2018-2019 LEDE purchasing numbers have been reported. Again the District failed to meet the required LEDE Participation Goal. Columbus City Schools spent $130,694,419.32 Certified LEDEs received 15 percent of contracts.
- 50 African American businesses were awarded $10,308,075.82 in contracts.
- 94 LEDE businesses were utilized.
2017-2018
- Overall District spend $102,255,581.02
- 56 African American businesses were awarded $12,942,170.32
- 129 LEDE businesses were utilized
- Certified LEDEs received 19.5% of contracts
2016-2017
- Overall District spend $88,203,222.01 (does not include FMP spend)
- 49 African American businesses were awarded $7,827,028
- 113 LEDE businesses were utilized
Certified LEDEs received 13.8% of contracts
2015-2016
- Overall District spend $127,983,937.70 (does not include FMP spend)
- 50 African American businesses were awarded $7,012,238
- 108 LEDE businesses were utilized
- Certified LEDEs received 10.382% contracts
2014-2015
- Overall District spend $60,428,398.91 (does not include FMP spend)
- 29 African American businesses were awarded $4,380,760
- 59 LEDE businesses were utilized
- Certified LEDEs received 8.945% of contracts
2013-2014
- Overall District spend $84,787,361.86 (does not include FMP spend)
- 35 African American businesses were awarded $4,201,136
- 67 LEDE businesses were utilized
- Certified LEDEs received 6.74% of contracts
2012-2013
- Overall District spend $131,601,449.73
- FMP Spend $48,777,550.11
- FMP LEDE Spend $13,830,144.87
- 27 African American businesses were awarded $4,078,898
- 67 LEDE businesses were utilized
- Certified LEDEs received 6.74% of contracts on controllable spend
- Certified LEDEs received 14.% with FMP spend included
2010-2011
- Overall District spend $70,308,877
- 19 African American businesses were awarded $2,620,800
- 77 LEDE businesses were utilized
- Certified LEDEs received 6.2% of contracts
I continue to question the commitment of the Columbus City School district to meet the board mandated 20 percent purchasing goal. Are those that are charged with procuring good and services doing their best to include Black businesses? Are purchasing policies enacted to prevent Black-owned businesses from becoming a vendor with the district? Columbus City Schools is the only public entity in Central Ohio to require vendors to have general liability insurance to register as a vendor. The district will not forward bid notices to vendors who don’t have a current W-9 and general liability insurance on file. Are LEDE businesses at the forefront of thought when purchasing decisions are made? Why is legislation forwarded to the elected board without LEDE participation? Why does the elected board vote for legislation that does not include LEDE participation?
It appears to be a utilization issue, not a certification problem. The professional outreach coordinator, Terri Wise, can certify a ton of LEDE businesses and make them aware of contracting opportunities. She can advocate for LEDE and Black businesses in-district meetings. She doesn’t have the authority to issue purchase orders or enter into contracts. She simply makes the community aware of buying opportunities within Columbus City Schools.
Why are the folks that issue purchase orders and contracts not including Black people in the district’s scheme of business? The district certainly has qualified disadvantaged businesses to provide goods and services. Many are Columbus City School graduates. The list of LEDE vendors is posted online. The purchasing department is aware of the list. The elected school board is aware of the list. Administrators are aware of the list. And Black folks still aren’t getting contracts as mandated by board policy. How committed is Columbus City Schools to meeting the LEDE Participation goal?
Why can’t the district meet the LEDE Participation goal? The blame falls squarely on the shoulders of those who have power. The blame falls on the shoulders of those who are in charge of the public tax dollars. The blame falls on the shoulders of the elected school board. The blame falls on the shoulders of administrators and departments who buy goods and services.
Administrators recently received raises despite the fact the buildings and school transportation are unsafe for our children. There have been reports of yellow water, mold, rodents, leaky roofs and fires recently in Columbus City Schools. The district received unacceptable grades on the state report card. The district has failed to again meet the 20 percent LEDE Participation Goal. The elected school board will be asking the community to support another tax levy. Presently, Columbus homeowners have accessed an 18% permanent property tax.
I will always be Columbus City Schools Proud. But what is the expectation of the Board from taxpayers to continue to financially support a district when so many of the district’s constituents are dismissed and let down?
Just my thoughts…
Ronda Watson Barber
