VALDOSTA, Ga. — The battle for minority inclusion in the construction of the new Valdosta High campus started two years ago and continues. The fight, spearheaded by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, has since evolved to include local contractors, regardless of race. 

Press conferences, protests and one meeting (despite several requests) later, the Valdosta Board of Education has made no concessions but has decided to increase security at the work site. 

The Rev. Daren Neal, newly appointed lead investigator and vice president of the SCLC, offered, what he called “a last ditch effort” for the board to change course.  

“I would like for you guys to really consider — and I think this is a way out for all of us — one last chance, to find a way to solve this problem without going to court,” said Neal at the May 10 school board meeting. 

Neal said if the board rejects the extended olive branch, the SCLC is willing to file a Title VI complaint, which has already been drafted. Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal monies. 

Beyond the economic implications, Neal asserted violations are occurring at the worksite. 

“They have violated some rules,” he said. “I’ve gone to the worksite myself and I took my camera. I talked to one of the gentlemen at the worksite. He told me ‘We don’t hire out here.”

During the facilities committee report at the BOE meeting, board member Trey Sherwood said a guard shack will be erected at the entrance of the worksite in the interest of public and worker safety to distinguish between workers and guests. JCI-Parrish Construction Group will be responsible for funding the increased security, according to Sherwood.

According to the SCLC, the problem stems from the construction manager, JCI-Parrish. JCI-Parrish is responsible for the bidding process and awarding bids. The BOE approves the bids awarded by JCI-Parrish. 

The board selected JCI-Parrish to provide what is called “CM at Risk” services. When selecting a company to perform the CM at Risk services, the board evaluated candidates on criteria that includes: firm overview, proposed management team, relevant construction experience, proximity to site, approach to CM at Risk, approach to warranty, claims history, financial information, CM fees, involvement of minority and small business enterprise and local participation. Involvement of minority and small business enterprises and local participation combined constituted 25 percent of the scoring values, more than any other criteria. 

“As directed by Valdosta City Board of Education, JCI-Parrish expended significant resources and times developing an understanding of the local/minority subcontractors and creating opportunities for them to successfully compete for,” stated a letter to the board from JCI-Parrish Sr. Vice President Charlie Griffis. 

Despite JCI-Parrish’s attempts to incorporate local and minority contractors, only one black contractor was awarded a bid, which the board approved in a unanimous vote, for less than half a million dollars. The bid amounts to less than one percent of one percent of the project. Local contractors only received $29.2 million, less than 35 percent of the entire $85 million project.

“It not only leaves minorities out,” Neal said during a press conference held Wednesday. “It leaves the town out.” 

James Holcombe of Sherwin Williams in Valdosta requested the board buy the paint for the school from Sherwin Williams. Ware Painting and Drywall, an out of town company, was awarded the bid. According to Holcombe, Ware Painting and Drywall will comply if the board requests the paint be purchased locally. Although the board did not confirm it would do so, Sherwood asked Holcombe to stay after the meeting to discuss his suggestion.

Initially, the BOE hired Elkins Constructors to be the construction manager but terminated the agreement in May 2015 due to management changes. JCI-Parrish was then hired as the construction manager. 

According to minutes from a meeting about minority involvement in July 2015, Rev. Floyd Rose, president of SCLC, said an agreement had been reached with Elkins Constructors about the use of black contractors and the agreement was expected to transfer to JCI-Parrish.

The SCLC and BOE met April 8 where Neal thoroughly explained the SCLC’s position and offered solutions for the board. Gary Moser, attorney for the board responded in a letter dated May 4 stating the board would not be making any changes to the current agreements. 

The letter also states anyone disrupting the construction process will be held liable for any costs or damages incurred due to the interruption. Neal said he considers this a threat but the SCLC will not be deterred. 

“I assume it’s just a subtle tactic to sway us off the track, but intimidation won’t work,” he said.

The letter is available for public viewing on www.gocats.org. 

Jennifer Dandron is a reporter at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 244-3400 ext. 1255.