COLUMBUS, Ohio — Change could be coming to the Columbus City school district.
On Thursday night at a panel discussion, Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said the district enrollment has changed a lot through the years, but the number of buildings has not.
“A district of our size with 113 school buildings alone that doesn't include administration sites. We have a lot of buildings that are underutilized,” said Dr. Chapman.
Dr. Chapman said by condensing the schools, the district can provide better learning environments for the students.
“The academic programming they could offer, the additional staffing support they can have, additional programming, additional resources,” said Dr. Chapman.
The district hired a consulting group that found they spend more money on facilities and operations of buildings than anything else. Dr. Chapman said that has to change.
“But why is that the case? We are a teaching and learning organization. You would think more resources would be aligned to instruction,” said Dr. Chapman.
John Coneglio, the president of the Columbus Education Association, feels closing schools is not necessary. He said the district should have been more transparent about its idea to close schools before the city passed a levy in November.
“I have in front of me the levy district promises if it passes or fail. Nowhere did it say they are going to close schools,” said Coneglio.
Coneglio said instead of closing the schools, he feels the district should invest more in talking to those in the community about why they are not attending Columbus City schools.
“The district hasn't done a good job of going into the neighborhoods and saying, 'Why aren't you sending your kids to CCS?' What do we need to do better that you would want to send your kid to CCS?” he said.
Coneglio worries the schools that will close will be in struggling neighborhoods. He said taxpayers in those areas deserve neighborhood schools.
“When you abandon neighborhoods, close those schools. I promise you a charter school will come in and fill the need,” said Coneglio.
At the next CCS board meeting, the Community Facilities Task Force will present its recommendations about possible school closings to the board. Then, the district will hear community feedback before making a decision in June.