There’s growing concern over how Columbus City Schools is spending money with Black-owned businesses. Many feel the current system isn’t fair and are calling the fairness of the process into question. This concern is a significant reason behind my stance to encourage a ‘NO’ vote on the upcoming levy. Despite the district’s large expenditure of $332 million last year, only a small portion, just over $8 million, went to Black-owned businesses. With a school district rich in Black culture and students, it begs the question: why aren’t Black-owned businesses receiving more opportunities?
As an advocate for Black business owners, I persistently question whether Columbus City Schools is truly invested in supporting the community from which it seeks additional funding through a new $100 million tax.
There’s an existing policy that mandates 20% of the district’s purchases should benefit disadvantaged businesses. However, it appears that white male business owners, who predominantly reside outside the district, are the primary beneficiaries. This happens while residents of the district, who are primarily Black and contribute their taxes, watch opportunities and revenue flow away.
The equity and inclusion policy doesn’t explicitly address race, but there’s an observable pattern where the district’s staff, who are predominantly white, may be favoring acquaintances or those within their networks. There are instances where individuals are encouraged to obtain disadvantaged business certification for the sake of participating in a school project while disregarding the local Black-owed certified businesses already on the list.
In a district where the population is largely Black, it’s only fair that Black-owned businesses within the district are given ample opportunities to secure contracts. It’s time for the district to revamp its approach to ensure local businesses and CCS graduates are the first considered.
There are racial biases among some white staff members, who, despite their personal reservations about the schools, benefit from their association with them. They won’t send their kids to nasty district classrooms but gladly accept high paid salaries. To ensure adherence to equity policies, the district must tie the achievement of these goals to staff remuneration. By connecting these goals to their earnings, we’re more likely to see a commitment to equity.
Just my thoughts…rwb
