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Board changes small‑business certification to align with federal executive order; some community groups call it abandonment of women/minority enterprise support
Summary
The board adopted revisions to Policy 7.72 (Small/Micro Business and MWBE certification) 6‑1, citing a need to align district procurement categories with an Executive Order; community speakers and small business advocates said the change undercuts support for minority‑ and women‑owned vendors.
The Duval County School Board voted 6‑1 to revise Chapter 7 policies governing the Small/Micro Business Enterprise Program and minority/women business enterprise (MWBE) certification. Board Member Balduc moved the change; Board Member Willie seconded. Staff told the board the revisions align district certification categories with Executive Order 14,151 and recent state guidance; supporters argued the change was necessary to protect federal funding, while opponents said it abandons long‑standing local commitments to minority‑ and women‑owned firms.
Several public speakers urged the board to delay or reject the change. "Does that…
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