As Publisher of OhioMBE and author of a recent column examining the Columbus City Schools (CCS) LEDE (Local Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise) program, I’ve raised serious concerns about the district’s lack of transparency, accountability, and meaningful engagement with local small businesses.
In that column, I questioned how an Outreach Office that has existed for more than 20 years could now claim to be “rebuilding its foundation” while community engagement has stalled. I also highlighted the troubling disparity between Columbus-based businesses that pay property taxes and the limited percentage of those same businesses receiving district contracts.
Equally troubling is the district’s approach to community collaboration. After multiple meetings with CCS leadership and the Outreach Office — and after submitting detailed proposals to improve the LEDE program — my work and ideas were later incorporated into a district RFP without acknowledgment or partnership.
If students engaged in that conduct, it would be called plagiarism and a failure of integrity. It should not be tolerated from district leadership entrusted with public funds and community partnerships.
In September, I reached out to all Columbus City Schools Board of Education candidates to ask for their positions on:
- Strengthening transparency and oversight within the LEDE program
- Ensuring fair contracting access for Columbus-based small businesses
- Rebuilding authentic community collaboration and respect for public trust
To date, three candidates have responded — sharing thoughtful commitments to integrity, equity, and rebuilding trust with the community.
🗳️ Mounir Lynch
“I agree with you — our current and past boards have been beholden to larger, corporate donors and special interests that make investing in small business, especially Black-owned small business, not a priority.
Community engagement, or a lack thereof, is a major issue for this board and the district at large. Whether it was school closures, staffing, transportation, or partnerships, we have failed to adequately listen, hold ourselves accountable, or communicate effectively.
On transparency and oversight: We must make LEDE materials easier to find, streamline the CCS website, and improve communication about opportunities.
On fair contracting: We must meet and exceed the 20% LEDE contracting goal. Vendor fairs, workshops, and capacity-building partnerships can help.
On collaboration: I support independent audits, clearer benchmarks, and more accessible board meetings across the city. I also propose community-led working groups focused on health, racial equity, transportation, partnerships, and budgeting.”
— Mounir Lynch, Candidate for Columbus City Schools Board of Education
🗳️ Janeece Keyes
“I share your concerns about how Columbus City Schools has handled the LEDE program and broader vendor relationships. Since Terri Wise’s departure, there hasn’t been clear or open communication with local businesses or consistent collaboration with community partners.
The LEDE program should be more than a box to check — it should be a meaningful pathway for local, economically disadvantaged businesses to participate in district opportunities.
If elected, I will strengthen oversight and transparency, ensure fair contracting opportunities, and rebuild trust through authentic collaboration.”
— Janeece Keyes, Candidate for Columbus City Schools Board of Education
🗳️ Dr. Jermaine Kennedy
“Strong schools and thriving local economies go hand in hand. I’m committed to rebuilding that bridge through integrity, openness, and shared accountability.
If elected, I will strengthen transparency and oversight across district contracts, ensure equitable access for Columbus-based and minority-owned businesses, and rebuild genuine collaboration between the district and local partners.”
— Dr. Jermaine Kennedy, Candidate for Columbus City Schools Board of Education
OhioMBE will continue to advocate for transparency, fairness, and community accountability in public contracting and education.
Stay informed. Read more updates and our original column at OhioMBE.com.
