Columbus City Schools public meetings in 2025
52 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education voted to censure board member Brandon Simmons, adopted the Safe Green Schools policy (with an amendment requiring annual progress reports), and approved a new middle/high school grading policy. The board also authorized joining a class-action lawsuit on insulin pricing and passed resolutions to demolish four school buildings: Broadleigh Elementary, Buckeye Middle, McGuffey Facility, and Moler Elementary.
- Censure of board member Brandon Simmons (Resolution 25-30-807)
- Adoption of Safe Green Schools policy (7460.01) with annual reporting amendment
- Adoption of Policy 5421 on middle/high school grade determination
- Resolutions to demolish Broadleigh ES, Buckeye MS, McGuffey Facility, and Moler ES
- Authorized joining In re Insulin Pricing Litigation class action
POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Policy and Governance Committee will hear updates on AI policy progress, quality points, and VCAP/APEX, then consider 13 board policies including graduation requirements, grade determination, health services, immunizations, medications, chronic conditions, food allergies, diabetes, seizure disorders, student accidents, emergency medical authorization, parental status, and a new drug and alcohol testing policy for employees without CDL licenses who transport students.
- Update on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Progress
- Consideration of new drug and alcohol testing policy for non-CDL employees transporting students (po4162.01)
- Consideration of complete replacement of policies for care of students with diabetes (po5336) and active seizure disorders (po5337)
- Consideration of policies on health services (po5310), immunization (po5320), and use of medications (po5330)
- Consideration of graduation requirements (po5460) and middle/high school determination of grades (po5421)
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board of Education approved resolutions to reduce non-personnel general fund expenditures and identify administrator positions to be abolished. The Board also directed the Superintendent to develop a staffing reduction plan totaling $25.9M and reduced transportation for certain K-8 students.
- Approved a $25.9M proposed staffing reduction plan
- Approved Resolution 25-29-757 to reduce transportation for K-8 students attending non-neighborhood or non-100% lottery schools
- Approved Resolution 25-29-756 to establish a Mass Transit Work Group with COTA and the City of Columbus
- Approved Resolution 25-29-752 to identify administrator positions to be abolished
- Suspended Policy 7105 (School Closing Policy) until December 16, 2025
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The board voted 5-1 (with one abstention) to not accept the Strengthening Mathematic Proficiency monitoring report, meaning the motion failed. Superintendent Angela Chapman presented proposed budget reductions, which were previously discussed at a joint meeting. The board also introduced a first reading of the Safe Green Schools policy and approved a consent agenda containing multiple items including a $63,809 contract for safety platforms at Mifflin High School and a resolution declaring transportation impractical for some students.
- Board voted 5-1 (with 1 abstention) to not accept Goal 2 math proficiency monitoring report
- First reading of Policy 7460.01 Safe Green Schools
- Superintendent presented proposed budget reductions
- Consent agenda includes $63,809 purchase of safety platforms at Mifflin High School from Superior Roof System (vendor correction)
- Consent agenda includes resolution declaring transportation impractical for FY26, offering payment-in-lieu
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education held a special joint meeting with three committees. After public comment on staffing and budget cuts, the joint committee voted unanimously to accept the Proposed Budget Reductions presented by the Superintendent and forward them to the full Board of Education for further consideration.
- Public comment: Jennifer Crayton spoke on staffing and upcoming budget cuts
- Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman presented an update on Proposed Budget Reductions
- Motion carried 6-0 to accept the Proposed Budget Reductions and forward them to the Columbus Board of Education
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a consent agenda that included renewing a $85,254.77 software subscription from AskReply, Inc. (B2Gnow) for tracking locally economically disadvantaged enterprises and a $180,000 body repair contract with Capital Collision Services. The board also heard public comments on transportation issues and a student dress code policy, and received updates on the district's workshop feedback and board self-evaluation.
- Public comment: parent Shannon Follins spoke on transportation issue; student Careem Elkins spoke on du-rag policy
- Consent agenda approved including renewal of B2Gnow software subscription for $85,254.77 (General Fund) for LEDE tracking
- Consent agenda included renewal of body repair services contract with Capital Collision Services LLC for $180,000
- Board discussed SOFG Board Self Evaluation facilitated by Council of the Great City Schools
- LEDE update presented by Chief Operating Officer Maurice Wood
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board of Education approved a reopener agreement with the Columbus School Employees Association effective through July 31, 2026. The board also rescinded a policy regarding personal communication devices and received an update on reading proficiency goals.
- Approved reopener agreement with the Columbus School Employees Association (25-26-695)
- Rescinded Policy 5136 - Personal Communication Devices
- Approved Board Monitoring Goal 1: Strengthen Reading Proficiency
- Resolution to recognize the service of Ms. Maria Angel
- Resolutions recognizing National Principals Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
At a special joint committee meeting, the Columbus Board of Education voted to forward the Realignment Plan to the full Board for recommendation. The Board also voted to recommend temporarily rescinding Policy 7105 to allow action on the plan. A separate vote approved continuing transportation for 100% lottery schools while discontinuing it for non-100% lottery schools. Public comment addressed transparency regarding benefits and costs of the realignment and scaling back school choice.
- Forwarded the Realignment Plan to the Board for recommendation (unanimous vote)
- Recommended temporary rescission of Policy 7105 (10 ayes, 3 nays)
- Approved Board Policy 8600 recommendation: continue transportation for 100% lottery schools, discontinue for others (unanimous)
- Public comment: Sarah Watson urged transparency on realignment costs and school choice changes
- Motion to discuss PI dollars usage was withdrawn
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board of Education conducted a second reading and adopted updates to policies regarding electronic devices, cellphone use in schools, and transportation. The board also approved a resolution honoring the life of Ann B. Walker.
- Adopted second reading of Policy 5136 (Electronic Equipment and Devices) and Policy 5136.01 (Cellphone Use in Schools)
- Approved second reading of Policy 8600 (Transportation)
- Authorized $63,809.00 for safety platforms at Mifflin High School from Superior Building Services, LLC
- Approved Resolution to Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Ms. Ann B. Walker
- Presented Michael Cole with the 2025 OSBA Board of Trustees Award
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education approved a policy allowing released time for religious instruction (Policy 5223) with an amendment requiring criminal background checks, and also adopted a new food services policy (Policy 8500). The board received first readings of policies on personal communication devices and cell phone use in schools, and heard updates on the five-year forecast and state report card. The consent agenda, which included a resolution declaring impracticality for transportation, was approved with one dissenting vote on an item with Aon-Hewitt.
- Approved Policy 5223 (Released Time for Religious Instruction) with criminal background check amendment
- Adopted Policy 8500 (Food Services) and waived second reading
- First readings of policies on personal communication devices, electronic equipment, and cell phone use in schools
- Presented updated five-year forecast and state report card overview
- Consent agenda approved including Resolution Declaring Impracticality for Transportation (25-24-643)
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
At this special meeting, the board received presentations on the Career Academy, the September Five-Year Forecast, transportation cost models and academic impacts, and a school choice lottery update. The board voted only to adopt the agenda and to adjourn; no decisions were taken on the presented items.
- Career Academy update presented by Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman
- Review of the September Five-Year Forecast by Treasurer Ryan Cook
- Transportation cost models and academic impacts presented by COO Maurice Woods and Deputy Superintendent Kathryn Moser
- Facts about open enrollment and lottery presented by Chief Student Services Officer Dr. Machelle Kline and Director of Enrollment Tonya Freeman
POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Policy and Governance Committee will consider four school policies: a new Artificial Intelligence policy, release time for religious instruction (PO5223), personal communication devices (PO5136), and food services (PO8500). The meeting will also approve minutes from June 9, 2025, and hear public comment.
- Presentation and discussion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
- PO5223: Release Time for Religious Instruction
- PO5136: Personal Communication Devices (Cell Phone Policy)
- PO8500: Food Services
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education approved a consent agenda including a $325,000 contract for security and access control services from Convergint Technologies. A public hearing was held for rehiring a retired PE teacher. Superintendent Angela Chapman reported on the first week of school, transportation, and career pathways. The board also recognized an OSBA awardee and discussed agenda amendments.
- Authorized up to $325,000 for security systems and access control installations from Convergint Technologies (item 14.1)
- Approved consent agenda item 17.3 for phased construction of Walnut Ridge HS and Beechcroft HS career academies renovations (Prodigy Building Solutions, LLC; Simmons abstained)
- Held public hearing for reemployment of retired PE teacher Arthur A. Stovall (25-23-614)
- Agenda amended to include recognition of OSBA Exemplary School Employee Award to Anna Baker (item 4.1)
- Proposal for a Realignment Q&A Discussion (item 4.2) failed on a 2-5 vote
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education approved a resolution directing the administration to cut $50 million from the budget starting in fiscal year 2027, and approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the Columbus Education Association. The board also celebrated the life of community advocate Samuel Gresham Jr., heard public comments on transportation and budget concerns, and discussed a policy on personal electronic devices.
- Resolution to reduce budget by $50 million starting FY2027 (Item 4.4)
- Approval of collective bargaining agreement with Columbus Education Association (Item 4.1)
- Public hearing and board amendment to correct effective date for re-employment of Laura H. Wolfe (Item 8.1)
- Resolution celebrating life of Samuel Gresham Jr. (Item 4.2)
- Public comments on transportation issues and budget shortfall (Item 3.1)
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
At a special board meeting, the joint committees of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education recommended approval of $50 million in budget cuts for fiscal year 2027. The board also discussed the implications of the reductions and alignment of board committees.
- Joint committee recommended $50M budget cuts for FY-27
- Discussion of budget reduction implications
- Discussion of board committee alignment
- Budget presentation with five-year forecast attached
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
The Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee will discuss a realignment strategy for retired school facilities, hear a government affairs update, and receive a presentation on the Back to School Fair. The meeting will also include approval of the June 10, 2025 minutes.
- Approval of minutes from June 10, 2025 meeting
- Discussion of community engagement and realignment strategy for retired school facilities
- Government affairs update presentation
- Back to School Fair update presentation
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education held a regular meeting, adopting the agenda, hearing public comment on transportation issues, and approving recognition awards. The board moved into executive session for personnel and legal matters and scheduled public hearings for five retired employees seeking reemployment. The consent agenda was approved with two members voting no on specific items.
- Public hearings set for reemployment of retired employees: Arthur A. Stovall (PE Teacher), Joyce L. Albright (Director of Compliance), Lysa Harrington-Straughter (Teacher), Jill Lausch (Elementary School Principal), Angela R. Martin (Elementary School Principal), Laura H. Wolfe (Director of Academic Programming for SPED)
- Approved resolution to nominate Anna Baker for OSBA Exemplary School Employee Award
- Approved resolution to nominate Eta Nu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for OSBA Friend of Public Education Award
- Board held executive session under Ohio Revised Code for personnel and legal matters
- Consent agenda approved; board member Brandon Simmons voted no on item 18.9 (Everway Holdco agreement) and item 24.1 (Personnel Actions)
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education held a special meeting and voted unanimously to enter executive session to review negotiations with public employees regarding compensation and terms of employment. The board reconvened and adjourned after the closed session. No other substantive business was conducted.
- Unanimous vote to enter executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(4) for negotiations with public employees
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Board of Education approved the creation of two new funds to manage employee benefits and facility improvements. The board also appointed a treasurer pro tempore and received updates on voucher litigation.
- Approved transfer of $15,000,000.00 from the General Fund to a new Termination Benefits Fund (035) for sick and vacation leave
- Approved transfer of $1,000,000.00 from the General Fund to a new Capital Projects Fund (070) for facility acquisition and improvement
- Appointed Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore for the duration of the meeting
- Appointed Richard Granger to the Academic and Facility Alignment Committee
- Presented the Master School Board Member Award to Dr. Tina Pierce
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education adopted Policy 5780.01 regarding Promoting Parental Involvement, including an amendment specifically mentioning transgender and gender diverse students. The meeting also included public comments regarding House Bill 8 and transgender students.
- Adoption of Policy 5780.01 Promoting Parental Involvement
- Amendment to policy preamble to include transgender and gender diverse students
- Receipt of ASBO Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024
- Public comments from nine individuals regarding House Bill 8 and transgender students
ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE
The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee meets to discuss a realignment update and an overview of board guardrails, with action on prior meeting minutes. No binding votes or public hearings are scheduled.
- Approval of May 8, 2025 committee meeting minutes
- Realignment update presentation
- Overview of board guardrails and interim metrics
EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee will vote on minutes from May 14 and discuss a proposed realignment of its responsibilities covering integrated real estate, capital development, equitable resourcing, and asset management. The committee will also receive presentations on funding for Adult Education and the FY26 annual audit plan.
- Approval of minutes from May 14, 2025 meeting
- Discussion and possible action on integrated real estate, capital development, and equitable resourcing realignment
- Presentation on understanding funding for Adult Education
- Presentation of FY26 annual audit plan from internal audit
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
The Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee will meet to approve minutes from May and receive presentations on government affairs and the Back to School Fair. A discussion on Columbus City Schools realignment is also scheduled. No votes on ordinances or contracts appear on the agenda.
- Approval of May 13, 2025 committee minutes
- Government Affairs Update (presentation)
- Columbus City Schools Realignment Update (discussion)
- Back to School Fair Update (presentation)
POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Policy and Governance Committee will consider and discuss several policies including a new Parents' Bill of Rights required by House Bill 8, a draft policy on closing school buildings, and development of an artificial intelligence policy. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and discuss public comment procedures. No final board action is taken at this committee meeting.
- Consideration of po5780.01 Parents’ Bill of Rights (HB 8 requirement)
- Discussion of draft policy po7105 on closing school buildings
- Development of AI policy using examples from other districts
- Approval of minutes from March 10, 2025 meeting
- Review of public comment procedures
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The board voted to increase the fee structure for the Columbus City Schools Latchkey after-school program for fiscal years 2026 and 2028, with rates rising $5 per week per child each phase. Members also heard public comments on bus transportation and transgender name policies, and received a realignment plan update from the superintendent. The consent agenda was adopted with three items opposed by one board member.
- Latchkey rate increase approved: morning care $70/week FY26, $75 FY28; afternoon $75/$80; full-time $90/$95.
- Public comment: Sarah Silver on impractical bus transportation; Curtis Peace on transgender name reversion.
- Realignment Plan update presented by Superintendent Chapman.
- Committee appointment: Steven Miller to Academic and Facility Alignment Committee.
- Consent agenda approved with Dr. Pierce opposing antenna site and NPR/PRX agreements.
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The board approved the demolition of Monroe, Linmoor, and Beery middle schools and Beaumont Elementary. They also authorized a $64,508.72 contract for fire damage remediation at Lincoln Park Elementary. Public comments addressed transgender policy and school safety, and a resolution recognized the partnership with Dreams on Horseback.
- Board approved demolition of Monroe Middle School
- Board approved demolition of Linmoor Middle School
- Board approved demolition of Beery Middle School
- Board approved demolition of Beaumont Elementary School
- Board authorized $64,508.72 for fire damage remediation at Lincoln Park Elementary from PSP Operations
EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee will review potential demolitions and a 5-year financial forecast. The body is also discussing funding options and the conditional closure of West Broad.
- Review and recommendation of potential demolitions
- Review of 5-year financial forecast
- Discussion and action on the closure of West Broad conditioned on funding
- Discussion regarding the cost of Latchkey
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
The Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee will consider Policy 7105 on closing school buildings, receive a presentation from Treasurer Ryan Cook on the Community Engagement Plan, and hear a government affairs update. They will also vote on approving the minutes from the March 11 meeting.
- Discussion of Policy 7105 on school building closures
- Presentation of Treasurer Ryan Cook's Community Engagement Plan
- Government Affairs Update presentation
- Approval of March 11, 2025 meeting minutes
ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE
The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee of Columbus City Schools will hold a procedural meeting to approve minutes from prior meetings and receive three presentations. Topics include student engagement via Caissa K12, English as a Second Language (ESL) programming, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). No votes on new policies or contracts are scheduled.
- Presentation on Caissa K12 Student Engagement program
- Presentation on ESL programming and alignment
- Presentation on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)
- Approval of minutes from February 3 and March 13, 2025 committee meetings
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education met on May 6, 2025, and approved four resolutions recognizing National Teacher Appreciation Week, School Nurses Week, School Lunch Hero Day, and School Principals Day. The only public comment was from a teacher discussing middle and high school grading. No financial or policy decisions were made.
- Resolution recognizing May 5–9 as National Teacher Appreciation Week and May 6 as Teacher Appreciation Day
- Resolution honoring School Nurses Week (May 6–10) and Deb Strouse's induction into the National Academy of School Nurses
- Resolution recognizing School Lunch Hero Day (first Friday in May) and nutrition professionals
- Resolution honoring school principals for their leadership, including those retiring in 2025
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
At a special board meeting on April 17, 2025, the Columbus Board of Education appointed Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore and adopted a resolution certifying compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the U.S. Supreme Court case SFFA v. Harvard, which concerns nondiscrimination and DEI policies. The meeting, which lasted about 14 minutes, also included adoption of the agenda and adjournment.
- Appointment of Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore for the meeting (Resolution 25-14-289)
- Adoption of a resolution certifying Title VI compliance with reference to SFFA v. Harvard (Resolution 25-14-290)
- Discussion and approval of the board's nondiscrimination policies in accordance with Title VI
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education held a regular business meeting on April 15, 2025. The board approved a consent agenda including the purchase of 60 school buses for $9,279,300 from Rush Truck Centers, and separately approved personnel actions (item 22.1) with one abstention. Public comment included a parent speaking about LGBTQ student name/pronoun policy and a citizen about curriculum removal. The board recognized April as National Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month and received updates on school realignment and committee activities.
- Authority to purchase 60 school buses from Rush Truck Centers for $9,279,300.00 from the Permanent Improvement Fund
- Appointment of Ramona Reyes as treasurer pro tempore for the meeting
- Approval of personnel actions (item 22.1) removed from consent agenda for separate vote; Jennifer Adair abstained
- Resolution recognizing April 2025 as National Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month in the district
- Public comment: Cleophus Dulaney spoke on LGBTQ students' legal names/pronouns; Fred Garrett spoke on curriculum removal
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
This special board meeting of Columbus City Schools included a training session on Student Outcomes Focused Governance led by A.J. Crabill of the Council of the Great City Schools. The board also handled procedural items: convening, adopting the agenda, and adjourning.
- Student Outcomes Focused Governance Training with A.J. Crabill from Council of the Great City Schools
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education met for a special meeting on April 8, 2025, primarily to conduct a Student Outcomes Focused Governance Training session led by A.J. Crabill of the Council of the Great City Schools. The meeting included routine procedural items such as convening, adopting the agenda, and adjourning.
- Student Outcomes Focused Governance Training with A.J. Crabill
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education held its regular business meeting, hearing public comments on transgender student protections and introducing a first reading of Policy 5780.01 - Parents' Bill of Rights. The board approved resolutions recognizing National Library Week and adopted policy changes including a second reading of Criminal History Record Check and amendments to Policy 0155 on committees. A consent agenda covering items 9.1-23.7 was approved, with a separate vote on an agreement with The Ohio State University.
- Public comment session with multiple speakers on transgender student protections
- First reading of Parents' Bill of Rights policy (po5780.01)
- Approval of second reading of Criminal History Record Check policy (po4121)
- Reconsideration and amendment of Policy 0155 on committees
- Approval of consent agenda including an agreement with The Ohio State University
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on March 27, 2025. The board appointed Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore, then unanimously voted to enter an executive session to discuss personnel matters and collective bargaining. The session ran from 6:03 p.m. to 9:49 p.m., after which the meeting adjourned.
- Appointed Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore for the meeting
- Unanimously approved entering executive session under ORC 121.12(G)(1) and (G)(4)
- Executive session covered employee appointment, discipline, compensation, and negotiation reviews
- Meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. and adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 traditional and year-round school calendars, a City Council resolution on school funding, and three recognition resolutions for National Reading Month, Women's History Month (honoring Angela Pace), and National 'Why I Love My HBCU' Month. The board also received a presentation on 7th grade math interim assessments.
- Approved City Council Resolution (25-10-192) on properly funding schools
- Approved Resolution (25-10-193) designating March as National Reading Month
- Approved Resolution (25-10-194) honoring Angela Pace for Women's History Month
- Approved Resolution (25-10-195) supporting National 'Why I Love My HBCU' Month
- Approved 2025-2026 academic traditional and year-round school calendars
ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE
The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee will meet to discuss two presentations regarding Veregy K-12 Education and CTE and Career Academies. The committee will also consider the approval of meeting minutes from February 3, 2025.
- Veregy K-12 Education Presentation
- CTE and Career Academies Presentation
- Approval of February 3, 2025 meeting minutes
EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The committee will hear a presentation on the district's annual operating budget and discuss the cost of services for English Language Learners. It will also review the annual Auditor of State results and a WCBE audit, and receive an update on House Bill 96 budget impacts. The meeting includes approval of minutes from the February 12 meeting.
- Presentation of the Annual Operating Budget for Columbus City Schools
- Discussion on the cost of educational services for English Language Learners (ELL)
- Review of Annual Auditor of State results and WCBE audit (action/discussion)
- House Bill 96 budget update for the district
- Approval of minutes from February 12, 2025 ETRM committee meeting
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & ADVOCACY COMMITTEE
The Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee will hear public comment from a CCS teacher advocating for a community school pilot at Northland High School, consider approval of minutes from two prior meetings, and discuss the 2025 committee workplan, a government affairs update, and an ESL/bilingual simulation update.
- Public comment by Christopher Monteiro, a CCS teacher, advocating for a community school pilot at Northland High School
- Approval of meeting minutes from November 12, 2024 and December 10, 2024
- Discussion of the 2025 Community Engagement and Advocacy Committee workplan
- Government affairs update
- ESL/bilingual simulation update for community engagement
POLICY AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
The Policy and Governance Committee will consider and discuss several policies, including potential development of an AI policy, closing of school buildings (policy po7105), and released time for religious instruction (po5223). The committee will also review updates on additional policies such as special education, student health, and technology use. Minutes from the December 2024 meeting are to be approved.
- Potential development of an 'AI' policy
- po7105 Closing of School Buildings
- po5223 Released Time for Religious Instruction
- po2265 Protections of Individual Beliefs (new policy)
- po5751 Parental Status of Students (new policy)
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
This special board meeting consisted primarily of an executive session held under Ohio Revised Code Section 121.22(G)(4) to prepare for negotiations or bargaining with public employees on compensation and other terms of employment. The board convened, adopted the agenda, adjourned into executive session, and later reconvened to adjourn the meeting. No other substantive business was conducted.
- Motion to recess into executive session for collective bargaining preparation (item 3.1)
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education approved a resolution re-affirming support for the Ohio Fair School Funding Plan and urging the General Assembly to increase base cost inputs, noting a potential $45 million loss for the district under the governor's proposed budget. The board also approved a consent agenda including a $64,246 HVAC rental contract at Fort Hayes 101, and held public hearings for re-employing two retired staff members. Committee appointments were made to the Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee.
- Fair School Funding Resolution re-affirmed, warning of $45M loss if base costs not updated (25-8-79)
- Approved $64,246 HVAC rental service at Fort Hayes 101 from Trane US Inc (25-8-82)
- Public hearings for re-employment of retired employees Molly G. Proto (school psychologist) and Parri L. Solano (executive secretary I)
- Resolution recognizing March 2-8, 2025 as National School Social Worker Week (25-8-78)
- Appointments to Community Engagement & Advocacy Committee (Amber Snyder, Christina MacLeod, Niel M. Jurist)
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to rescind Board Policy 5517.02 (Transgender and Gender Variant) to comply with Ohio Senate Bill 104, which takes effect February 25, 2025. The board also approved a resolution recognizing Black History Month, a monitoring report on closing opportunity gaps, and a consent agenda that includes a $517,116 increase to a transportation contract for fragile students.
- Unanimous vote to rescind Board Policy 5517.02 on transgender and gender variant students to comply with Senate Bill 104
- Increase of contract with Buckeyes Best Medical Transportation LLC by $517,116 (total $1,017,115) for private transport of highly fragile students
- Approval of resolution recognizing Black History Month 2025
- Board monitoring report on Interims 9-11 for Closing Opportunity Gaps
- Public comments from multiple students on Policy 5517.02 and Senate Bill 104
EQUITABLE & TRANSPARENT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
The Equitable & Transparent Resource Management Committee will meet to review updates on demolitions and land-use planning. The agenda also includes a presentation on sustainability in Columbus and a discussion on funding for Pre-K education.
- Presentation on Integrated Real Estate, Capital, & Development Planning and sustainability by Erin Beck of the City of Columbus
- Discussion on funding for Pre-K education
- Updates on demolitions and land-use planning
- Approval of minutes from the December 11, 2024 meeting
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
This special board meeting consisted solely of convening, entering executive session for attorney consultation concerning pending or imminent court action, and adjourning. No public policy decisions or financial actions were discussed.
- Motion for executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(3) regarding legal disputes with pending or imminent court action
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The board approved the Safe Green Schools resolution after amendments to remove pages 3 and 4, and voted to table the second reading of Board Policy 5517.02 on transgender and gender variant students. The board also appointed Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore and heard public comments on transgender bathrooms, bullying, safe green schools, and immigrant student protection.
- Approved Safe Green Schools resolution after amendment striking pages 3-4
- Tabled second reading of Board Policy 5517.02 on transgender and gender variant students
- Appointed Christina Vera as treasurer pro tempore for the meeting
- Purchased cafeteria tables from Zimmerman School Equipment, Inc. for $124,600 (consent agenda)
- Heard public comments on transgender bathroom policy, bullying, safe green schools, and immigrant student protection
ACADEMIC & FACILITY ALIGNMENT COMMITTEE
The Academic & Facility Alignment Committee will hear a presentation on pre-K literacy outcomes and discuss setting meeting dates for 2025. The agenda also includes approval of December 2024 minutes. No votes on contracts or expenditures are scheduled.
- Presentation: 'Academics & Facilities-Maximizing Literacy Outcomes for our Earliest Learners'
- Approval of minutes from December 2, 2024 meeting
- Discussion of 2025 committee meeting dates
- Call to order and roll call
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The board approved most items on the consent agenda, including a resolution declaring transportation impractical for certain students and authorizing contracts. However, a $82,325 agreement with New Story Schools for special education services failed to receive the required two-thirds vote. The board also heard the first reading of a draft policy on transgender and gender variant students and received a quarterly financial update.
- Rejected $82,325 contract with Haugland Learning Centers dba New Story Schools (item 15.1)
- Approved resolution declaring impracticality for transportation for identified students (25-4-35)
- First reading of draft Board Policy 5517.02 on transgender and gender variant students
- Approved 2025 board appointments, including Michael Cole as delegate to OSBA
- Approved Board Monitoring on K-2 Interims for 3rd Grade Reading
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
The Columbus City Schools Board of Education held a special meeting, where the only substantive action was a unanimous vote to enter executive session to prepare for collective bargaining with public employees. The board recessed at 6:02 p.m. and reconvened at 9:31 p.m., then adjourned.
- Unanimous motion to recess into executive session under Ohio Revised Code 121.22(G)(4) for negotiations preparation
REGULAR BOARD BUSINESS MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education approved a consent agenda including a multi-year electric commodity agreement and facility repairs. Public comments were heard regarding student transportation and potential school closures.
- Electric commodity Master Service Agreement with Ohio Power Company dba AEP Ohio for $8,000,000.00
- Purchase of a boiler for Oakland Park Elementary school from Wadsworth and Associates Inc for $62,994.00
- Adoption of the amended 2024-2025 Professional Development Conference Schedule
- Public comment from Peter Kilofliski regarding denied transportation for his child
- Public comment from Jonathan Cross regarding school closures presented by the Facilities Task Force
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
The Board of Education held its 2025 organizational meeting to appoint leadership roles and establish the annual operating schedule. The board voted to elect its President and Vice-President and approved the 2025 meeting calendar.
- Election of Michael Cole as President of the Board
- Election of Jennifer Adair as Vice-President of the Board
- Appointment of Ramona Reyes as President Pro-Tempore
- Approval of the 2025 Meeting Calendar
- Adoption of a June 30 deadline for evaluations of the Superintendent, Treasurer, and Internal Auditor