By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
The Columbus City Schools (CCS) Board of Education has stated its commitment to improving community support and rebuilding trust. Yet, their actions speak louder than their words. The recent election of Michael Cole as board president has caused significant concern, particularly within the Black community. His behavior, which I have personally witnessed, contradicts the principles of respect and collaboration that are essential for effective leadership.
Michael Cole has repeatedly demonstrated a pattern of rudeness and disrespect towards the very community he was elected to serve. At a voter’s forum, he openly berated a voter—an unacceptable display of arrogance and hostility. During a levy debate with the NAACP president, Cole’s dismissive attitude and audacity to demand attendees “stop talking and pay attention” showed a blatant disregard for community dialogue and engagement. In another instance, during a board meeting, he told an attendee to “step,” further underscoring his lack of decorum and respect.
Most recently, The Columbus Dispatch reported that Cole held a private meeting with a teacher who raised concerns about building conditions and classroom sizes—critical issues that directly impact the quality of education. Instead of addressing these concerns constructively, his behavior reportedly reduced her to tears. According to the Dispatch, the teacher questioned why Cole had not responded to the 37 emails forwarded to him. His response? “He could not be expected to read every email he receives.” As a taxpayer, my expectation is that the elected board responds to EVERY email forwarded to them.
Cole’s comments after being elected board president are equally troubling and confusing. According to the Dispatch, Cole stated that “irrespective of missteps, mistakes, failures,” there were opportunities to learn from mistakes and “fail forward.” What is failing forward? I will continue to say, this board isn’t ready for prime time.
CCS is the largest educator of Black children in Ohio. The administration and elected board’s callous treatment of the children, their families, and advocates is appalling. The community’s expectation is EXCELLENCE. Failure should not be an option.
The Black community, and all residents of Columbus, must ask: How can we trust a school board that allows such behavior from its president? How do we, as voters, address a bully in a position of power? The CCS Board has been entrusted with significant resources, including a $100 million dollar “forever” tax levy. The community deserves leadership that respects and values their voices, not someone who alienates and disrespects them.
It’s time for the community to demand accountability and action. Voters should not be afraid to speak up and hold their elected officials to higher standards. The Columbus City Schools Board of Education must remember that they serve the people. A board president who cannot respect the community has no place in this critical leadership role.
The Black community’s voice matters. The entire Columbus community deserves better.
Just my thoughts.
Ronda Watson Barber, OhioMBE Publisher and a long-time advocate for Black and minority-owned businesses. Through her work, she connects small businesses with contracting opportunities and promotes economic equity across Ohio.
