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Local caterer and entrepreneur urge board to reconsider blanket vendor-delivery ban
Summary
Two public commenters told the McDowell County Board of Education that a new rule barring food deliveries to teachers and staff hurts local businesses and asked the board to adopt a more nuanced approach rather than a blanket prohibition.
Laura Goodman, owner of a local catering business, told the McDowell County Board of Education during public comment that recent guidance barring food deliveries to teachers and staff is harming small-town businesses and is unnecessary because deliveries are non-disruptive. "I own a small local catering business in our community. Twice a week, we deliver to the office. We drop it off, and we leave it," Goodman said, adding that local businesses "donate money, we donate time," and depend on reciprocal support from schools.
A second commenter introduced by the chair as Jimmy Long, who said he is starting a business in Bradshaw, urged the board to avoid a blanket prohibition on vendor access. Long told the board the optics of a broad ban risked creating a "power-centered decision" and warned it could cut his projected revenue by "45 to 50%" if applied without nuance. Board members acknowledged the policy exists to control campus visitors and directed staff to explore practical options, such as designated pickup locations or pre-authorized vendors, to balance safety and community relationships.
