By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
This morning, I have the opportunity to engage with the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. I am having coffee with the new board president. My focus is clear: to highlight critical areas for improvement and accountability within our school system. My commitment as an advocate for Black businesses drives me to ensure our schools operate with equity, fairness, and transparency, particularly regarding their operations and contracting practices.
- Contracting Disparities: The gap in contracting opportunities between white-owned businesses and Black-owned vendors is unacceptable. It’s time for CCS to explain why this exists and how they plan to rectify it immediately.
- Unmet LEDE Goals: The failure to meet the 20% LEDE (Locally Economically Disadvantaged Enterprises) target is a concern that requires immediate attention. What specific barriers are preventing progress, and what is CCS’s plan to overcome them?
- Questioning Capital Improvement’s Role: With no new constructions underway, the existence of a separate Capital Improvement Department is questionable. It’s crucial for CCS to justify this department’s role or consider reallocating its tasks to Buildings and Grounds for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Vacant Leadership Positions: The absence of a Chief Operating Officer raises questions about CCS’s operational efficiency. When will this position be filled, and how will CCS ensure the new COO aligns with the needs and values of our community?
- Restrictive Vendor Policies: The current vendor registration policy restricts opportunities for Black-owned businesses. CCS must provide clarity on the reasons behind these policies and how they plan to make them more inclusive.
- Out-of-State Partnerships: The decision to partner with a white-owned firm from South Carolina for vendor outreach over local businesses is concerning. CCS needs to explain the rationale behind this decision and how it benefits our community.
- Lack of Transparency in Vendor Fairs: The organization of a secret vendor fair without involving the Outreach Coordinator undermines trust. CCS must address why this happened and how they will ensure future transparency.
- Workforce Diversity Issues: The predominance of white rural men in the Buildings & Grounds staff does not reflect our diverse community. CCS needs to confront this issue and outline steps to diversify its workforce, ensuring it aligns with our commitment to inclusion.
- Communication Barriers: Restricting staff from communicating with Board members without administrative permission stifles transparency and accountability. CCS must explain this policy and consider its revision to foster an open dialogue environment.
- Leadership Concerns in Recent Events: The behavior of the long-term interim COO and the Director of Capital Improvements in recent public forums, particularly the commandeering of a microphone to cover for incoherence, highlights leadership inadequacies. CCS must address these incidents and take appropriate actions to uphold the standards expected by our community.
- Tax Levy Burden: Black voters overwhelmingly approved a $100 million permanent tax levy, a testament to our community’s commitment to improving our schools. However, this massive tax increase imposes a significant financial burden on many Black families, who will face hardship and sacrifice to meet this obligation. It’s imperative for CCS to recognize this sacrifice and ensure that the funds are used efficiently and equitably, directly benefiting the communities who are most impacted.
These questions are not just mine; they are echoed by many Black vendors and community members. Today, I stand ready to engage in open, honest dialogue with the Columbus City Schools Board of Education. CCS has a moral obligation to invest in the Black community. It’s time for accountability, action, and a commitment to equity and inclusion across all facets of our educational system.
just my thoughts…rwb
