Columbus Board of Education

Columbus City Schools could commit to replacing gas-burning equipment with electric, using zero-emissions vehicles and choosing renewable energy whenever possible.

Last week, the Columbus City Schools' Board of Education voted to close 4 schools; cut $25.9 million by slashing an unspecified number of staff and faculty positions; eliminate 60 administrative positions; cut $8.8 million in programs and cut K-8 transportation for students who lottery into a non-100% lottery school.

In the long and emotional meeting, board members made more than $50 million in cuts, despite shooting down two different plans to reduce busing for high school students.

School closures, major staff reductions and discontinuing busing for certain students are among the items board members will consider at the Tuesday evening meeting at the district's South High Street office.

The candidates sought three open seats on the school board of Ohio’s largest school district. The new members will join the board at a time when the district is deciding key cuts to address a $50 million budget deficit.

Every candidate running for Columbus City Council and Columbus City Schools Board of Education has called for reform or more oversight over tax abatements. About 1.2% of Columbus properties have tax breaks, totaling over $129 million.

More building closures, cutting high school busing and potential staff cuts are on the horizon. The district laid out these possibilities and the district's finances in a series of three townhall workshop meetings in late October.

District leaders for Columbus City Schools are still crafting an artificial intelligence policy for how students and teachers can use the emerging technology.

Five of the six candidates talked about budget cuts and other pressing issues at a candidate forum hosted by The Columbus Dispatch on Oct. 21.

Franklin County voters can expect to see levies for the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Columbus residents will vote on contested city council and school board races alongside $2 billion in bonds.