By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
As a proud alum and former athlete of Columbus City Schools, my heart goes out to the Linden McKinley Boys’ Basketball team. They’ve been unjustly deprived of the chance to vie for a City Championship—a milestone that could have been a cherished lifetime memory. Despite their dedication on the court and impressive academic achievements, with a reported team GPA of 3.64 last year by the Columbus Dispatch, they’re facing the fallout from decisions made by adults. The scheduling of excess regular season games has led to their disqualification from the city championship.
The community uproar is palpable, with many advocating for the firing of those responsible for this oversight. Yet, it seems, no high-level positions are threatened; indeed, incompetence appears to be the gold standard within CCS. There have been no consequences for the maintenance of unhealthy and unsafe classrooms, nor for the failure to transport students promptly. Likewise, no one has faced dismissal over safety and security lapses, or for neglecting the district’s purchasing inclusion policy.—consequences appear to be rare.
The pressing question now is, how can the district and our community rectify this situation for these young men who exemplify commitment and integrity? Their efforts to excel, both academically and athletically, deserve recognition and justice, not the disappointment of missed opportunities. I continue to say Black children in CCS deserve better.
just my thoughts…
