By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
The recent Columbus City Schools Board meeting for August 2024 was packed with important discussions and some concerning reports. One of the highlights was the report from the new Chief Operating Officer, which provided some insightful information. According to a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch, the district is warning of a bus driver shortage that will likely lead to late buses when classes resume later this month. This is deeply troubling. The Columbus Education Association President and the novice superintendent, Angela Chapman, have both emphasized that student achievement will be a top priority. However, this goal seems challenging if students are arriving late to school or missing classes altogether due to transportation issues. It’s simple: students can’t learn if they’re not in class. How can we expect to see improvements in academic achievement if our kids aren’t even making it to their classrooms on time?
Additionally, the meeting included a noteworthy statement from board member Cole regarding new policies aimed at reinforcing a respectful working and learning environment. It’s quite ironic, considering that Cole has a reputation for being rude and disrespectful to community members and parents on a consistent basis. One can’t help but wonder if he will take a page from these new policies and begin to engage in more respectful dialogue with taxpayers. He frequently talks about his experience as a principal, but one has to hope that he doesn’t employ the same brash demeanor in an educational setting. If we are to foster a truly respectful and productive environment in our schools, it starts with our leaders setting the right example.
One glaring omission from the discussions was any advocacy for reinvesting in the Black community that is footing a significant portion of the tax bill. There was no mention of efforts to support supplier diversity, which is crucial for fostering economic growth and ensuring that minority-owned businesses have a fair opportunity to contribute to and benefit from district contracts. Operations hasn’t had oversight by a supplier diversity professional since July 2023 to ensure LEDE vendors are being incorporated into the purchasing scheme. Capital Improvements is spending a ton on money. Can the director, who calls Columbus, “a city of poverty,” be trusted to work with Black LEDE vendors and provide them with meaningful contracting opportunities? It is disappointing to see a lack of commitment to these important issues. Our communities deserve to see their tax dollars at work in ways that directly benefit them and promote equitable growth. Reinvesting in the Black community and prioritizing supplier diversity are not just moral imperatives; they are essential strategies for building a more inclusive and prosperous future for all students and families in Columbus.
just my thoughts…rwb
