Columbus Board of Education

Columbus City Schools' Board President Michael Cole is not seeking re-election. Cole just became president of the board this year and replaced two other presidents who didn't hold the position for long. Cole spoke to WOSU about why he thinks leadership is changing so much.

Vera took over the board presidency in January of last year. She said she stepped down and is not seeking a new term because of changing priorities with her family and her capacities.

Discontent with the current Columbus City Schools' Board of Education was a theme at a candidate forum Thursday night for three open seats on the board.

Columbus City Schools' Vice President Jennifer Adair previously served as board president for four years through the pandemic and the 2022-2023 teacher strike.

Michael Cole, Ramona Reyes and Christina Vera did not file paperwork to run for re-election. More than a dozen new candidates are running to fill their posts.

Vera said she wants to spend more time with her family and focus on her health. She stepped down from her position as board president earlier this month.

The board elected Michael Cole as the new president and Jennifer Adair as the new vice president on Tuesday night.

Independence High School teachers told the Columbus Board of Education Wednesday their population grew from around 600 students to 900. Many of these new students speak Haitian-Creole or Spanish.

Columbus School Board President Christina Vera said board members were able to talk with teachers, students, and in some cases, families.

The board voted 6-1 to request Simmons' resignation. The vote also was the second censure against Simmons. It aims to restrict his access to school buildings due to what other members of the board allege are "security concerns."