Hazelwood Schools Minority Suppliers On Target, Struggling to Find Women

The board of education heard a quarterly update to the supplier program at Tuesday's meeting.

The Hazelwood School District (HSD) Board of Education heard a quarterly update report regarding the district's supplier diversity program at Tuesday's meeting. The update included stats through Dec. 31, 2012, on minority and women supplier participation as it pertains to bid contracts awarded within the district. Kevin Cross, HSD director of supplier diversity, said as of the end of 2012, $13.1 million has been spent from the current 2012-13 fiscal year operating funds. Of that, $4.2 million has been used on professional services, $8.7 million was spent on supplies & equipment and $49,600 was used in the construction category (not related to Phase 3, Proposition H). "The purpose of the program is to seek and establish meaningful …

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Supplier Diversity Targets a Topic at HSD Board of Education Meeting

Supplier diversity not only pertains to minority businesses but also women-owned business. Plus, Board members are sworn in and new leadership positions filled.

At the April 17 Hazelwood School District (HSD) Board of Education meeting, the board and members of the public were given some insight into new developments in HSD’s supplier diversity program. The target goals are the same, for operating funds to have at least: For supplies procurement, HSD's goals include to have at least: Although those goals remain the same, something that is evolving is the process for reaching out to potential MBE and WBE’s. Kevin Cross, HSD’s director of purchasing said his department is now arranging what he termed “mini opportunity forums” with vendors in an effort to increase the amount of these business that express interest in the district. "For the fiscal year 2011-2012, the district has spent approximately $…

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Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: Hazelwood School District Releases Statement Regarding Supplier, Workforce Diversity Program

In response to last week's NAACP claims that the Hazelwood School District is violating its Supplier Workforce Diversity Program, the district has issued a rebuttal.

The Hazelwood School District has been committed to supplier and workforce diversity for many years and has implemented policies and procedures to support that commitment.  The Hazelwood Board of Education recognizes the importance of its continuing leadership role in these areas and constantly seeks to improve results regarding its supplier and workforce diversity.  Recent media reports suggest Hazelwood Schools are in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. That is not true. While we have a legal opinion that the Hazelwood School District is in compliance with Title VI, the Board of Education believes it is even more important for the community to recognize its long standing and continuing commitment to be a leader in …

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HSD Considers New Process for Purchasing Items Less Than $15,000

At its meeting Tuesday, the Hazelwood School District Board of Education also heard the quarterly update of its supplier diversity program.

Pending second reading and a approval nod, the Hazelwood School District may soon have a purchasing process for smaller monetary denominations it said is more efficient. The policy, which was first heard at Tuesday's Hazelwood School District Board of Education meeting, would allow for contract amounts up to $15,000 to be approved by Dwight Lindhorst, the assistant superintendent of finance and facilities, without initial board of education approval. "It's just for practical things, so we don't have to wait around until the next board meeting before we can start some work," Lindhorst said. "It's really just a temporary authorization until the board gives final approval." Should Lindhorst approve contract the board does not agree with and …

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Student Praises Teacher, Minority Supplier Program Questioned at May 17 HSD Board of Education Meeting

Tuesday's meeting awards the recipients of the First Teacher of the Year.

Najam Khan is a pretty typical elementary school student. Tall for his age, with quite a vocabulary, it could be assumed this fourth-grade Russell Elementary student is a techie and active reader. That being said, one wouldn’t assume his favorite teacher is physical education teacher Marvin Williams. “He’s a great teacher sent from God,” Kahn said at Tuesday’s Hazelwood School District Board of Education meeting. “He changed my whole life ever since he came to Russell Elementary. I love him so much, and I wish every teacher at Russell Elementary was like Mr. Williams.” Both Williams and Hazelwood East Middle School communications skills teacher, Sean Manion, were recognized at the meeting as a district Outstanding First Teacher of the Year…

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