CCS task force recommends nine school closures

Happy Monday!

Anyone else tear up this weekend watching the Team USA Olympic trials?

No? Just me? Cool. Let's get into some education news then.

Review Session

Columbus City Schools Board of Education heard the final recommendations on potential school closing from the Superintendent's Community Facilities Task Force this week.

The task force recommended closures of seven school building and two other buildings currently housing programs of the 110 buildings districtwide. You can find a full rundown of the list here.

While the board voted unanimously not to take action on the recommendations until it returns in August, it received the task force's recommendations and thanked the group for its work.

Concerned parents, students and community members are calling the board's decision a victory. Many had voiced concerns in the last few weeks that the board was moving too fast to make any thoughtful decisions about school closures.

While board members take their summer breaks until August, Board President Christina Vera said it will take time to hear from the community before accepting the recommendations.

"This isn't about taking things away from our students. This is about creating a district of the future," Adair said. "We have more to talk about with you. We have to do this together."

For school closure coverage and more from last week's school board meeting, catch up with K-12 reporter Cole Behrens' coverage.

Extra Credit

• A judge for the National Labor Relations Board ruled last week that a local charter school on the city's Northeast Side engaged in unfair labor practices while the school's teachers were unionizing.
• The Ohio Legislature wrapped up its session last Wednesday and won't return to the Statehouse until November. Some anticipated a potential vote on the divisive higher education bill, SB 83. Instead, the Ohio House passed a bill banning transgender students from using restrooms in school that correspond with their gender identity.

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Take care,

Sheridan Hendrix