Columbus board approves school closures

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus City School Board decided Tuesday that several district buildings will close while others will continue to remain open.

Back in June, Columbus Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman presented her task force’s final recommendation to close 10 district buildings including seven schools, two other educational facilities, and an administration building. 

Before the vote, Columbus Board President Christina Vera said closing school buildings is one of the most difficult decisions a school district can face.

"I recognize for many that this process has brought feelings of loss, uncertainty, and frustration," she said. "The emotions shared by families, staff and students have been heard and taken to heart."

The buildings being closed are:

• Broadleigh Elementary School; passed on a 4-2 vote.
• Moler Elementary School; passed 4-2.
• West Broad Street Elementary School; passed 4-2 vote with an amendment that it only close if a new school can be built at that location.
• Buckeye Middle School; passed 5-1.
• Columbus Alternative High School (McGuffey); passed 5-1.

Additionally, the board voted to close the administrative building at 270 East State Street and move staff to 3700 South High Street administrative building.

Buildings that will remain open are:

• Fairwood Elementary School; failed on a 3-3 vote.
• Lindbergh Elementary School; failed on a 6-0 vote.
• North Linden Elementary; failed on a 6-0 vote.
• Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys; failed 5-1.

“There are five school communities," Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said. "All of that change will not happen in one year. We will pace it out and we will make sure that we take all of the necessary time that’s needed.”

The closings will take effect beginning with the 2026-27 school year, the board said during the votes, with the district tasked with coming up with plans for each school; Chapman said that plan would be presented before the end of this school year.

The board voted on each school individually, with members disagreeing on what schools to close. Vera said that even though there was disagreement, board members would move forward with a common goal.

“I think that showed transparency as to where we are in the process of individuals and certainly being able to still come together to do what’s best for children," she said.

Before the meeting, many were calling for the board to postpone the vote until a more secure plan was in place.

"I wish that they would come back with a better plan instead of close schools," West Broad Elementary parent Susan Cavendish said. "I want to see them do the work and the research, not fighting amongst each other."

Cavendish and many others were clearly disappointed by the outcome and said they are still confused as to what it means for students, parents and teachers.

“I don’t see how any of this will help the education and future success of our children," Cavendish said.

Madeline Jobrack is a teacher at North Linden, one of the four schools staying open. While she is relieved for her school, she said she doesn't agree with how the closure process was carried out.

"Thank you for voting 'no' on closing us and we hope that you make the best community-informed decisions moving forward," Jobrack said. “We do strongly believe that they need to come up with a plan and work with the community before deciding to close any schools.”

Board members did walk-throughs of the schools and received input from the parents. 

The task force, consisting of 24 community and business leaders, started its work in February, holding multiple sessions to allow the public to weigh in on the process.