Columbus City School District, OH

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:00PM at 3700 S. High St. to adopt its agenda, take public comment on agenda items, and vote on several action items. The board will consider approving a successor collective bargaining agreement with OAPSE Local 581 running through June 30, 2029, plus medical and pharmacy plan design changes and 2027 per-pay contribution increases for employees under the CSCSA and CAA compensation packages. Consent agenda items include a $284,820.00 annual GPS services purchase from Zonar Systems, Inc. and extensions of copier maintenance and lease agreements totaling $913,849.02. No executive reports are scheduled from the Superintendent/CEO, Internal Auditor/CAE, or Treasurer/CFO.

• Resolution to approve a collective bargaining agreement with OAPSE Local 581, a successor contract effective through June 30, 2029 (approved by the union September 16, 2026)
• Board action on medical and pharmacy plan design changes and increases in 2027 contributions per pay for employees under the CSCSA compensation package
• Board action on medical and pharmacy plan design changes and increases in 2027 contributions per pay for employees under the CAA compensation package
• Authority to purchase annual GPS services from Zonar Systems, Inc. for $284,820.00 from the FY27 General Fund (single-source; existing Zonar hardware in all district vehicles)
• Authority to extend copier maintenance with ABS Business Products Inc DBA Donnellon McCarthy Enterprises Inc ($450,450.00) and copier lease with US Bank Equipment Finance ($463,399.02), both General Fund, subject to board appropriation

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING-CANCELED

The Columbus City School District Board of Education holds a special meeting on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at 270 E. State Street. The board will vote on medical and pharmacy plan design changes and increases in 2027 per-pay contributions for employees under the CSCSA and CAA compensation packages. The agenda also includes a motion to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(1) and (G)(4) to discuss employee personnel matters and collective bargaining negotiations. No dollar amounts or specific plan details are included in the agenda text.

• Board action on medical and pharmacy plan design changes and 2027 per-pay contribution increases for employees under the CSCSA compensation package
• Board action on medical and pharmacy plan design changes and 2027 per-pay contribution increases for employees under the CAA compensation package
• Motion for executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(1) (employee personnel matters) and (G)(4) (collective bargaining negotiations)
• Special meeting called to order at 5:30 p.m. at 270 E. State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

JOINT COMMITTEE MEETING

The Joint Committee will hold a meeting featuring presentations on school realignment, legislative updates, and community engagement. The session also includes a new member orientation and the approval of minutes from the August 19, 2026, meeting.

• School Realignment Update presentation
• Legislative Updates presentation
• Community Engagement presentation
• Approval of August 19, 2026, meeting minutes
• New Member Orientation

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Board of Education will review graduation opportunity gaps and the preliminary report card. The meeting includes public hearings regarding the re-employment of three retired teachers and several administrative approvals.

• Public hearing for re-employment of teacher Jodell Coplan
• Public hearing for re-employment of teacher Jeannine Nutter
• Public hearing for re-employment of teacher Shirley Skinn
• $42,200 purchase of safety equipment from American Bus & Accessories
• $43,000 purchase service agreement with Riverside Assessments LLC

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING (RETREAT)

The Board of Education is holding a special retreat to discuss board authority, duties, communications, and governance norms. The meeting also includes a motion to enter executive session regarding personnel matters and legal disputes.

• Discussion on board authority, duties, and communications
• Establishment of board governance norms and agreements
• Executive session regarding public employee employment and compensation
• Executive session regarding legal disputes and pending court action
• Executive session regarding negotiations with public employees

EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee of the Columbus City School District Board of Education is meeting to handle routine procedural items, including roll call, approval of minutes from May 20, 2026, and public comment procedures. The main substantive items are presentations on a portfolio strategy map, a realignment/SB311 update, and the LEDE annual report. No votes on specific contracts or policies are listed on this agenda.

• Approval of minutes from May 20, 2026 meeting
• Presentation: Realignment/SB311 Update
• Presentation: LEDE Annual Report
• Discussion: Portfolio Strategy Map
• Public comment procedure

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education is meeting to conduct routine business, including public comment, committee appointments, and approval of a consent agenda. Key action items include a $25,000 service agreement with the Council of Great City Schools for a board retreat, a resolution authorizing food and beverages at professional development events, a resolution declaring transportation impractical for certain students, and a $36,700 contract with The Buckeye Ranch for special education services. The agenda is largely procedural, with most items bundled for a single vote.

• Service agreement with Council of Great City Schools (No. 206968) for $25,000 for a two-day board retreat
• Resolution authorizing amenities (food/beverages) at professional development activities, including the Aug 28-29, 2026 board retreat
• Resolution declaring transportation impractical for certain students, offering payment-in-lieu per Ohio Revised Code 3327
• Purchase service agreement with The Buckeye Ranch (No. 200123) for $36,700 for one student at Bonner Academy
• Approval of minutes from August 4, 2026 regular meeting

ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE

The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee of the Columbus City School District Board of Education will meet to approve the June 10 minutes and discuss educational visioning and academic return on investment. The agenda also includes a K-8 transportation update. No specific proposals or dollar amounts are listed.

• Approve June 10 committee meeting minutes
• Discuss educational visioning
• Discuss academic return on investment
• K-8 transportation update

POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING-CANCELED

The Policy and Governance Committee will convene to approve minutes from May 21, 2026, and receive updates on several policies. They will discuss the Educational Options Policy (po2370) and review draft policies on promotion/placement/retention (po5410) and academic acceleration/early kindergarten/early graduation (po5408) for potential board consideration. An update on the Parental Status of Students policy (po5751) is also scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from May 21, 2026 meeting
• Update on Educational Options Policy (po2370)
• Draft policy po5410 on Promotion, Placement, and Retention
• Draft policy po5408 on Academic Acceleration, Early Entrance to Kindergarten, and Early High School Graduation
• Update on po5751 Parental Status of Students

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education will hold public hearings on August 4, 2026, to consider rehiring five retired teachers under Ohio Revised Code Section 3309.345. The board will also vote on a consent agenda, approve past meeting minutes, and act on legislation including a $91,612 membership renewal for the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding and a $70,000 purchase of city permits.

• Public hearings on rehiring retired teachers Teresa Bombrys, Kitty Carr, Michel Flusche, Carla Scott, and Clayton Wrighter
• Board amendment correcting effective dates for Teresa Bombrys and Kitty Carr rehiring
• Renewal of Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding membership for $91,612
• $70,000 purchase of Columbus City permits for flammable materials and assembly permits

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING (Closing the Books)

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education approved the consent agenda, which included the FY2027 Initial Appropriations Resolution totaling $1,669,674,579.11, a $50,000 purchase agreement for football shoulder pads funded by a donation, and a resolution setting a July 20, 2026 hearing for the termination of employee Courtney Hale. One board member, Dr. Tina Pierce, voted against item 8.3 concerning fund transfers for WCBE.

• FY2027 Initial Appropriations of $1,669,674,579.11 from all funds
• Authority to enter into a $50,000 purchase service agreement with XTech Protective Equipment LLC for football shoulder pads, funded by the Billick Family Gift Fund
• Resolution setting a public hearing date of July 20, 2026 for the termination of Courtney Hale, as demanded under Ohio Revised Code 3319.16
• Dr. Tina Pierce voted nay on consent agenda item 8.3 – Fund Transfers (WCBE)

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

The Board of Education discussed several monitoring guardrails regarding staff and student services. A report on Culturally Responsive Staff was tabled for a later date, while the Support Intervention Services report was approved.

• Tabled the Board Monitoring Guardrail - Culturally Responsive Staff
• Approved the Board Monitoring Guardrail - Support Intervention Services
• Entered executive session to consider personnel matters

EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee will receive presentations and updates on Safe Green Schools and the Everett School facility, and will consider approving minutes from the previous meeting. No votes on specific policies or expenditures are listed on this agenda.

• Safe Green Schools presentation and update
• Everett School facility update and discussion
• Approval of minutes from May 20, 2026 meeting

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus Board of Education held a regular business meeting on June 16, 2026, where they approved several transportation policy replacements, a committee charter amendment, and received updates on the school realignment plan and transportation workgroup. The board also set public hearings for rehiring four retired teachers and voted on a consent agenda that included a resolution for makeup days via online learning.

• School Realignment Update presented by Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman and Chief of Strategy Dr. Russell Brown
• CCS Transportation Workgroup Update from Superintendent, COO, and COTA partner
• Approval of Board Policy 8640 (Transportation for Non-Routine Trips), Policy 8650 (Transportation by Alternate Vehicles), and Policy 8651 (Non-Routine Use of School Buses) with language changes from 'Parents' to 'Parents/Guardians'
• Notice of public hearings for reemployment of retired teachers Kitty Carr, Carla Scott, Michel Flusche, and Teresa Bombrys on August 4, 2026
• Removal from consent agenda and separate vote on Resolution for Adoption of a Plan for Completion of Makeup Days via Online Learning

ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE

The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee will discuss and take action on two key items: the Academic Return on Investment (AROI) analysis and the Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys/Girls. The committee will also approve minutes from the May 13, 2026 meeting and receive an update on stakeholder survey data.

• Approve minutes of the May 13, 2026 committee meeting
• Action on Academic Return on Investment (AROI) analysis
• Action on Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys/Girls (Gender Academies) AROI
• Stakeholder Survey Data Update

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus City Schools Board of Education approved a resolution adopting a cybersecurity program as required by Ohio Revised Code Section 9.64. The board also approved updates to board policies on drug and alcohol testing for CDL holders, attendance, and transportation, and amended the transportation policy to remove a line about the Executive Director. Additionally, the board honored three students for their heroic actions during a medical emergency on a school van.

• Approved Resolution 26-14-343 adopting a cybersecurity program (ORC 9.64)
• Approved Board Policy 4162: Drug and Alcohol Testing of CDL License Holders
• Approved Board Policy 5200: Attendance
• Approved Board Policy 8600: Transportation, as amended to remove reference to Executive Director of Transportation
• Honored students Ja’Vawnte M. Richardson, Jahmier T. Murphy, and Ozyas E. Lloyd-Sloan for heroic actions during medical emergency on van route C07

POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Policy and Governance Committee will hear an update on Educational Options Policy (po2370) and vote to recommend eight policies to the full Board of Education. Policies cover attendance, drug/alcohol testing for CDL holders, transportation (complete replacements), bus driver certification, non-routine trips, alternate vehicles, nonroutine bus use, and parental status of students.

• Update on Educational Options Policy (po2370) – discussion/presentation
• Recommendation of po5200 (Attendance policy)
• Recommendation of po4162 (Drug and Alcohol Testing of CDL License Holders)
• Recommendation of po8600 (Transportation complete replacement) and po8600.04 (Bus and Alternative Driver Certification)
• Recommendation of po8640, po8650, po8651 (Transportation for Non-Routine Trips, Alternate Vehicles, Nonroutine Use of School Buses) and po5751 (Parental Status of Students)

EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The committee will review its charter language and alignment with Board Policy 0155. Members will also receive presentations on new construction funding, procurement limits, and facilities. The committee is scheduled to vote on a recommendation regarding procurement limit adjustments.

• Review of Committee Charter and Board Policy 0155
• Financial presentation on New Construction Funding
• Presentation on Procurement Limits and comparative review
• Vote on Procurement Increase Recommendation
• Facility presentation by Martin Davis

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The board voted to approve a reopener agreement with the Columbus Education Association (teachers union). Multiple resolutions to abolish certificated and classified positions and lay off employees were also passed. Public comment raised concerns about cuts to building substitute teachers and the upcoming closure of three elementary schools. The meeting included an executive session and a consent agenda covering routine items.

• Approval of collective bargaining agreement with Columbus Education Association (reopener through 2028-2029)
• Resolution to abolish certificated positions and suspend employee contracts (item 5.3)
• Resolution to abolish a certificated position (item 5.4) and a classified position with layoff (item 5.5)
• Resolution to abolish vacant classified positions (item 5.6)
• Public comments on reduction of building substitute teachers at Avondale ES and Mifflin MS, and school closures (Moler ES, Fairwood ES, Broadleigh ES)

ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE

The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee will discuss and potentially act on Program Layer II planning and alignment for school facilities. Members will also review the educational visioning session recap and next steps. Updates on a stakeholder survey and school visit observations are scheduled. The meeting begins with approval of minutes from April 15, 2026.

• Program Layer II Planning & Alignment Discussion (action item)
• Educational Visioning Session Recap, Reflections & Next Steps (action item)
• Stakeholder Survey Update & Preliminary Feedback Review
• School Visit Updates & Observations
• Approval of minutes from April 15, 2026

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus Board of Education approved a policy on student accidents (Board Policy 5340) on second reading and passed resolutions recognizing nine Momentum Award schools, Teacher Appreciation Week, and National Nurses Week. All items were approved unanimously with no public comment.

• Adopted Board Policy 5340 - Student Accidents (second reading)
• Recognized nine schools for 2024-2025 Momentum Award: Berwick K-8, Cedarwood, Cranbrook, Hubbard, Columbus City Prep for Girls, Lindbergh, Africentric Early College Elementary, Trevitt, and Wedgewood Middle
• Proclaimed May 4–8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week
• Proclaimed May 6–12, 2026 as National Nurses Week and May 6 as National School Nurse Day

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus Board of Education voted unanimously to approve several new student health policies, including Health Services (Policy 5310), Immunization (Policy 5320), Care of Students with Chronic Health Conditions (Policy 5335), Food Allergies (Policy 5335.01), and Procurement and Administration of Overdose Reversal Drugs (Policy 5330.05). The board also approved a resolution recognizing School Library Month and accepted an update on the Whole Child Guardrail. Public comment included concerns about NCAA sickle cell testing requirements and staff training for students with behavioral needs.

• Approval of Policy 5310 (Health Services) with grammatical amendments
• Approval of Policy 5320 (Immunization) – waived first reading
• Approval of Policy 5335 (Care of Students with Chronic Health Conditions) with grammatical amendments
• Approval of Policy 5335.01 (Food Allergies) with grammatical amendments
• Approval of Policy 5330.05 (Procurement and Administration of Overdose Reversal Drugs) with grammatical amendments

ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE

The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee of Columbus City Schools will hear a presentation on state academic program requirements and discuss Board Policy 7105 regarding the closing of school buildings. The committee will also review community engagement activities, data collection, and survey questions for community feedback. Items may be approved or moved forward for board consideration.

• Presentation on state academic program requirements
• Discussion of Board Policy 7105 (Closing of School Buildings)
• Review of community engagement activities and data collection
• Review of survey questions for community feedback
• Approval of minutes from the March 11 committee meeting

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus Board of Education voted to adopt academic calendars for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, including traditional and year-round options. The board also approved multiple new policies covering graduation requirements, grade determination, artificial intelligence, drug/alcohol testing for non-CDL drivers transporting students, care for students with diabetes, and use of medications. All items passed, with one board member voting against the diabetes policy. A resolution honoring Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons, a 2015 Eastmoor Academy graduate who died in a KC-135 crash over Iraq, was unanimously adopted.

• Adopted academic calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 (traditional and year-round at Woodcrest Elementary) after a Feb. 17 public hearing
• Approved Policy 7540.09 - Artificial Intelligence Policy
• Approved Policy 4162.01 - Drug and Alcohol Testing of Classified Employees without CDL License Who Transport Students in Alternative Vehicles
• Approved Policy 5336 - Care of Students with Diabetes (one nay vote)
• Unanimous resolution recognizing and honoring Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons, Eastmoor Academy graduate and Air National Guard boom operator killed March 12, 2026

EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

The Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee will meet to approve minutes from June 2025, confirm its charter and 2026 calendar, and receive a facilities overview presentation. No votes on contracts or policy changes are scheduled.

• Approval of minutes from June 11, 2025 meeting
• Confirm committee charter
• Confirm 2026 committee calendar
• Receive facilities overview presentation

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus Board of Education adopted resolutions honoring Coach Michael Bell and student Cassady Hayes for their actions during a shooting. The board also approved changes to three policies: Promotion/Placement/Retention (5410), Entrance Requirements (5112) to comply with House Bill 114, and Graduation Requirements (5460). Additionally, the board approved monitoring of 7th grade math interim goals and appointed three members to the Equitable and Transparent Resource Management Committee.

• Resolution honoring Coach Michael Bell of East High School for heroism and service
• Resolution honoring Cassady Hayes, East High School student, for rendering aid after a shooting
• Adopted Policy 5410 (Promotion, Placement and Retention) changes for legal compliance
• Adopted Policy 5112 (Entrance Requirements) changes to comply with House Bill 114
• Adopted Policy 5460 (Graduation Requirements) after a presentation

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

The Board of Education convened a special meeting to conduct business including an executive session. The board recessed into executive session to review negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees regarding compensation and employment terms.

• Executive session regarding public employee compensation and employment terms

ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE

The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee will hear a presentation on educational visioning from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and receive an overview of current program offerings, including Pre-K. The committee will also confirm its charter, discuss its workplan, and approve minutes from June 2025.

• Approval of minutes from June 12, 2025 committee meeting
• Confirm committee charter
• Discuss committee workplan and confirm 2026-2027 calendar
• Ed Visioning presentation by Ohio Facilities Construction Commission
• Overview of current offerings including Pre-K

POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

The Policy and Governance Committee will discuss three draft policies: an artificial intelligence policy (po7540.09), a quality points/grading policy (po5421), and a drug and alcohol testing policy for classified employees without CDL licenses who transport students in alternative vehicles (po4162.01). The committee will also receive reports on four policies recommended for full board consideration: promotion/retention/placement (po5410), entrance requirements (po5112), care of students with diabetes (po5336, complete replacement), and use of medications (po5330). Additionally, the committee will approve minutes from December 8, 2025, and receive a VCAP update.

• Presentation on draft Artificial Intelligence policy (po7540.09)
• Presentation on draft Quality Points policy for middle and high school grades (po5421)
• Presentation on draft drug and alcohol testing policy for non-CDL employees transporting students (po4162.01)
• Report on recommended policy po5112 - Entrance Requirements
• Report on recommended policy po5336 - Care of Students with Diabetes (complete replacement)

REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING

The Columbus Board of Education adopted resolutions recognizing Beatty Park Elementary and Northland High School as Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion Schools, and approved revisions to the Columbus Schools Classified Supervisors Association (CSCSA) compensation package. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included a $78,060 purchase of tablet mount kits and ID card readers from Tyler Technologies, and appointed members to the Policy and Governance and Academic and Facility Alignment committees.

• Recognition of Beatty Park Elementary and Northland High School as Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion Schools
• Approval of revisions to the CSCSA compensation package
• $78,060 purchase of tablet mount kits and ID card readers from Tyler Technologies
• Appointment of Janeece Keys to Policy and Governance Committee and five members to Academic and Facility Alignment Committee
• Public comment by CSCSA president on compensation package