A citizens panel will continue its work to review Cincinnati Public Schools' equal-opportunity policies.

        The proposed policy sets goals for including economically disadvantaged and small businesses in contract bidding.

        It's being reviewed in anticipation of the district's $1 billion construction project to be voted on next week.

        The work of the nine-member citizens review panel was nearly nixed Monday when a school board member suggested new requirements for contract bidders. Those requirements included submission by contract bidders of their health benefits for employees and whether they have an apprenticeship program.

        The suggested requirements were later dropped by the board member, John Gilligan.

        “It seems the work is already firmly underway,” he said.

        Mr. Gilligan said he had submitted his proposal because he felt certain areas were being ignored in the policy, including inclusion of women and minorities.

        The citizens review panel's first meeting was May 6. The panel hopes to make recommendations by June 5.

        Mr. Gilligan's proposal also recommended that contractors be required to have: 30 percent of all employees be minorities; 5 percent of all employees be women; 20 percent of all employees be residents of Cincinnati Public School district.

        Some district officials said the proposal was a veiled attempt to favor union contractors bidding on the district's proposed $1 billion construction plan.

        “The proposed resolution excludes firms that can't afford to pay health care benefits and have an apprenticeship program,” said district treasurer Michael Geoghegan. “It excludes a group of contractors we're trying to include — economically disadvantaged and small businesses.”

        District administrators, with input from state officials and representatives from its construction manager, drew up the proposed policy the citizens' panel is looking at.

Allegiances divisive, even far from Mideast
Vote on ordaining gays has nationwide implications
Boats sink, 2 men missing
Former Democratic chairman testifies at Conese fund trial
Mega Millions game gets go-ahead
Teen effort to salute soldier may be model
West Chester looks at services for growing group
Some Good News
PULFER: Law lagging
RADEL: Welcome mat?
Bus firm wants to ride on tax
Local team returns to TV
Airport suspect talkative in court
Jealousy may be why woman slain, police say
Prosecutors look over files
Smokers, businesses may be hit up
Walk will raise funds for hospital
City schools keep panel to advise on work contracts
Consultant to continue work in Mason
Lakota district hires principal for new elementary school
Man accused of spraying toxin on trooper
Private colleges see enrollment tightening
Tristate A.M. Report
Judge rejects no-sex condition for deadbeat dad
Ky. expects to see economic benefit
Louisville Archdiocese sees 11 more suits filed
Principal aims for state honor
Kentucky A.M. Report