COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thousands of Columbus City Schools students will begin the new school year outside of the classroom Wednesday as teachers march outside of school buildings, demanding for better conditions.
The Columbus Board of Education and the Columbus Education Association are expected to meet at 1 p.m. after the federal mediator handling the ongoing negotiations to return to the bargaining table.
The two sides have met 22 times since March in hopes of reaching a deal on a new contract, but have not done so.
In the meantime, the district plans for some 47,000 students to learn remotely. Below is a breakdown of some of the district's remote learning plans and answers to frequently asked questions.
Online resources for students and parents
The district posted a resource guide on its website to help navigate students and parents through online instructions. The district said this option allows educators the ability to present students with lessons they can complete independently.
Who will provide online instruction?
Columbus City Schools plans to use substitute teachers and other district staff to provide online instruction during the strike.
Last week, the district said it had 600 substitutes available. The school board approved paying substitutes an additional $100 a week as an incentive to get more hired.
Are students required to attend school online?
Yes, students are still required to attend or participate in online instruction during the strike. Public education is required under Ohio law, and the district says an employee strike is not a valid excuse for a student's absence.
Where can students go?
The City of Columbus is designating nine community centers to open for students to participate in remote learning. The centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Meals for students
CCS provides free breakfast and lunch for all students. During the strike, students will be provided with “grab and go” meals at 25 designated school sites across the city.
The meals can be picked up from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Meals will also be available at participating YMCA, Boys and Girls Club and Columbus Recreation and Parks Department sites. You can find a full list here.
A list of the sites and additional information about the meals can be found here.
School sports and other extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities, including school sporting events, will be rescheduled or canceled. The district said because teachers make up almost 60% of the coaching staff and extra-curricular advisors, they will not have the ability to provide the "appropriate supervision" needed for these to safely continue.