COLUMBUS, Ohio — A spokesperson for Columbus City Schools says a plan to close schools was put in place as a cost-saving measure in September, prior to the passing of the district's $100 million levy.
According to a statement from a district spokesperson, that plan was put in place in September 2023 so the district could reduce costs.
“While the decision on school closures/consolidations was not contingent on the Levy passing, the consolidation of buildings was already planned to reduce costs. This was identified in the Statement of Facts adopted by the Board of Education on September 19, 2023,” according to a district spokesperson.
Prior to the levy passing in November, the district issued a statement of facts of what would happen if it passed. It made no mention of closing some schools.
Now, as many as 20 schools could be shutting their doors.
“I was shocked by the number of schools up for closing,” says Marille Henault of the Columbus Education Justice Coalition
The $100 million levy would spend $60 million on school improvements and another $38 million on general operating expenses.
The district says the school closing plan, unveiled Tuesday, is based in part on utilization. Some schools are below capacity and others are above. It stands to reason that using taxpayer dollars to keep underutilized schools open and the expense to maintain them doesn’t make financial sense.
School Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman cautioned the community that the plan to close schools is far from over.
“We want our community leaders and parents to provide us with feedback cause these are not the final recommendations,” she said.
Closing schools and moving students will certainly cause stress for families. It will also create a potential problem that CCS has not addressed.
Under Ohio’s first refusal law, charter schools get first dibs on a closed school. It happened in 2015 when the district closed Maybury Elementary and became a charter school.
The Columbus Education Justice Coalition raised concerns about that Tuesday night.
The district faces another issue — funding.
Because enrollment is tied to state dollars, if parents decide to enroll their child in a charter school or private school because their neighborhood school closed, that pulls dollars out of the district.
Opponents say instead of closing schools, “commit to growth and recruiting families to the district."
PARENTS REACT:
Duxberry Park Arts Impact Elementary School is one of nearly 20 Columbus City schools and buildings at risk of closing.
Steve Washington’s godson just transferred to the elementary school this year.
“We thought this school would be better for him to get more one-on-one attention. The kind of attention to help him thrive, he was stagnant where he was at,” said Washington.
Washington said Duxberry Park isn’t a traditional elementary school.
“It's very interactive. The kids enjoy that, which is something that is missed at other schools. The focus is on the arts so the creative expression is important to them,” said Washington.
If the elementary school were to close, students would go to other elementary schools in the area.
Commute times for families could change by 10 minutes or less for most scenarios. But some families said it's less about the commute and more about the culture of the school.
Kari Kenderski has two kids that she plans to send to Columbus City Schools in the fall. One of her kids is on the wait list for Duxberry Park and she is shocked by the possible closure.
“For some kids, any change in route can be difficult. Having a school closure could be catastrophic for that family. There will be real harm, to real families, real communities and real people,” said Kenderski.
Other schools suggested to close by the Columbus City Schools Facilities Task Force include Broadleigh Elementary School, Cranbrook Elementary School, Buckeye Middle School and Marion Franklin High School. See the full list here.
The task force will make the final recommendations for the school board to vote on in June.