NASHVILLE, TN -- It’s been months since school board members first began discussing whether to voluntarily adopt all or part of a new Metro ordinance designed to give minority- and women-owned businesses an equal opportunity to secure public contracts.

As of Tuesday, the board still has not adopted any changes to its existing policies. But the board is forming a committee, which will this summer follow up on the recommendations of an MNPS consultant in considering and possibly revising the district’s current program designed to encourage business participation of women- and minority-owned businesses in district contracts.

“I just think this is a start,” said board member Karen Johnson, after seconding Ed Kindall’s motion to establish the committee.

Kindall and Johnson, as well as board member George Thompson, immediately volunteered to serve on the committee. Board chair Marsha Warden will make the final decision, and present it to the board for discussion at the board’s next meeting. The committee will also include district staff members and take into consideration the guidance of Mary Johnston, a representative of Metro’s legal department. MORE