By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
I recently had two in-depth conversations with the Board of Education president. As a CCS graduate and parent, she seems genuinely invested in seeing the district succeed. Her job is incredibly challenging, made even tougher when the administration is untruthful with the elected board. One would think they’d work hand in hand to ensure Black students receive a quality education in clean, well-maintained classrooms. Instead, I see a board making decisions based on faulty information.
The administration crafts legislation in a way that discourages the board from asking questions. It appears they expect the board to rubber-stamp everything presented to them. Staff isn’t allowed to with elected board members. This environment fosters incompetence rather than excellence. I struggle to understand why the inexperienced superintendent relies on advice from staff members who are either failing in their jobs or prioritizing their careers over the welfare of our children. They are enriching themselves and not producing acceptable results.
The board continues to pass legislation, presented by the administration, that excludes local and, more specifically, Black vendors. The Angela Chapman administration is not committed to supplier diversity. Without a qualified, committed supplier diversity professional, Black and disadvantaged vendors are losing ground. Experienced inclusion professionals applied for the Outreach Coordinator position, yet multiple candidates have not even received the courtesy of acknowledgment or status updates on their applications. To add insult to injury, a CCS employee from the human resources department, with zero supplier diversity experience, was interviewed for the position. What a waste of taxpayer resources.
In the absence of a supplier diversity professional, who is notifying vendors of contracting opportunities or upcoming events? CCS is co-sponsoring a vendor event tomorrow and has yet to notify LEDE vendors. Despite having a published LEDE vendor list, someone decided to only provide company names without contact details. Prime contractors are unlikely to search the internet for contact information of prospective subcontractors. This practice makes no sense and continues to place barriers before Black vendors.
The same district that expects the Black community to support a massive tax levy and the closure of neighborhood schools actively denies Black vendors opportunities. When will CCS adhere to its business equity and inclusion policy? Why do white businesses benefit from the disadvantaged business program in a predominantly Black school district? Why are the financial resources provided by the Black community being funneled to white businesses? Is CCS practicing taxation without participation? When will CCS reinvest in the Black community? Who is advocating for Black vendors within CCS?
It’s time for the administration to be held accountable. We need a dedicated, experienced supplier diversity professional to ensure Black and disadvantaged vendors are not left behind. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about the district fulfilling its promise to the community it serves.
Just my thoughts…rwb
