Columbus Board of Education member Christina Vera will not run for re-election in November.
Vera announced Tuesday that she will finish out her term, which runs through the end of the calendar year, and that will conclude her time on the board, at least for now.
She said she wants to spend more time with her family and focus on her health.
“I have three kids and I’m really thinking about, you know, where and what they need from me in this time, while also thinking about the work ahead at the district,” Vera told WOSU. “You know, I've had an amazing, humbling opportunity to serve in this capacity for almost four years.”
Vera served as the president of the Board of Education for about a year before stepping down earlier this month. The board elected Michael Cole as her replacement.
Speaking for herself and not the board, Vera admitted that the past year has had its challenges.
The board faced backlash over a leaked strategy document related to a school building consolidation plan. Some district staff and parents were also upset with the consolidation process itself. Ultimately, the board voted to close five schools and its administration building.
Vera said the school consolidation process and the opinions surrounding it did not contribute to her decision not to seek re-election.
“Actually, I'm really proud of the work that we as a community and as a district accomplished last year. You know, together we are advancing the district's realignment process,” Vera said.
She added that many members of the board learned a lot in the last year.
“Certainly, you know, it’s tough,” Vera said. “To say that this work doesn’t come home with you would be an understatement. Certainly, you know, you think about the 47,000 students every single day.”
Vera was elected in 2021 and began her time on the board in Jan. 2022. Since then, she has been involved in decisions regarding COVID-19 operations and the hiring of Superintendent Angela Chapman, the district treasurer and an internal auditor.
Vera is also proud to have had helped the district to pass a roughly $100 million levy in Nov. 2023.
“I recognize the trust that the community has placed in me. It truly has been a privilege to work on behalf of students, families and educators and staff. And, you know, the work is not done. I'm still very much committed to the remainder of my term,” Vera said.
She said now is not the time to disconnect from what’s happening locally or to become distracted by national events.
"I just want to leave our community encouraged, letting them know that we are still here, the work is still continuing," Vera said.
While voters will not see Vera’s name on the ballot come November, she said she could consider running for the board of education or another office in the future.
