By Ronda Watson Barber
OhioMBE Publisher
Once again, Columbus City Schools (CCS) is demonstrating a blatant disregard for its commitment to minority and economically disadvantaged businesses. The LEDE (Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise) program, designed to create opportunities for small businesses, continues to be an afterthought for the district’s leadership.
For nearly a year—since March 2024—LEDE vendors have been without direct support. No guidance, no advocacy, no communication. It took CCS almost a year to hire a new LEDE/Outreach Coordinator, and now, more than a month into his tenure, the district has yet to notify vendors that the office is operational. No emails, no announcements, no contact information shared. How are vendors supposed to navigate the district’s procurement system if they don’t even know where to turn for assistance?
To make matters worse, the district has both a Community Engagement Office and a Communications Department—yet neither has taken the initiative to introduce the new hire to the vendors in the program. That level of oversight is not just careless; it’s inexcusable. Vendors are reaching out to me and even to the former LEDE coordinator, who was employed for over 20 years and didn’t even receive a retirement party, a gift, or an exit interview from the district. That level of disregard speaks volumes about how Columbus City Schools values those who have dedicated their careers to serving the Black and small business community.
The LEDE program is supposed to be a lifeline for small, minority-owned, and economically disadvantaged businesses. It’s a reinvestment back in the community, the tax paying community. Instead, it’s a neglected initiative that receives little to no real investment from district leadership. Time and again, CCS has shown that supporting Black and minority businesses is nothing more than a box to check off, rather than a real commitment to economic inclusion.
Enough is enough. It’s time for action. Columbus City Schools must:
- Publicly announce the reopening of the LEDE office and introduce the new coordinator.
- Immediately provide vendors with updated contact information for the office.
- Ensure the LEDE office is fully staffed and equipped to assist vendors with navigating the CCS procurement process.
The district’s continued failure to support LEDE vendors is unacceptable. Columbus City Schools must do better. Minority businesses deserve better. The community is watching, and we will hold the district accountable.
Ronda Watson Barber
Publisher, OhioMBE
