Document Drama Sows Doubts

For today’s issue of EdInk, I’d planned to write a nice light post about how we’re just one week away from the end of the school year, the field days and fun activities our kids get to do as things wind down, and how I’m preparing for the start of summer.

This week was a lesson in plans falling apart.

I’ll attempt to summarize the past three days, destined for Columbus education history. Tuesday morning, Izetta Thomas of the Columbus Education Justice Coalition and John Coneglio of the Columbus Education Association teachers’ union, issued an explosive press release regarding a leaked strategy document titled “Taking Control of the Task Force Narrative,” allegedly written by board member Brandon Simmons. 

The document states that the school board has “lost control of the narrative” about the facilities task force charged with recommending buildings for consolidation and closure. But instead of presenting run-of-the-mill course corrections a communications professional might recommend, the document quickly elevates the issue into an existential fight. “We are not choosing to go to war” it reads on page one in bold type. “CEA has already attacked CCS. We will not get stronger unless our opponents get weaker.”

Some of the strategies suggested to accomplish this include a plan to “drive a wedge” between the district’s two unions representing teachers and classified employees. Among the advice given: “Don’t ignore the racial dynamics. Lay those cards on the table.” Other ideas included changing the location of board meetings “at the last minute” and a proposal to “bring in loud mechanical equipment if they hold a press conference on our land.”

After the leak and before Tuesday’s school board meeting, Board President Christina Vera shared a statement which said that the document was written independently and did not reflect the board’s position. As reported by Matter, Simmons then apologized for the draft version that leaked, but called the product “a true collaboration” with other board members. (Skeptics will note here that the school board had in fact moved this meeting at the last minute. Thursday morning, the CEA and the CEJC released another statement detailing other alleged board activities that they say reflect the memo’s proposals.)

The board began its Tuesday meeting by spending nearly 90 minutes in executive session before scheduled public speakers finally had an opportunity share their thoughts about proposed school closings. There were few comments, no feedback, and then the board again retreated into executive session. (Real-time community feedback and comments are available in the meeting’s Facebook livestream.) 

Today, board member Sarah Ingles came forward as the person who shared the memo, stating in a release quoted in the Dispatch, “I was appalled and offended when I read it.”

This afternoon, Simmons issued a statement on his Facebook page with an apology. While admitting that he was “a contributor to this document,” Simmons also says, “I maintain that this document was a collaborative document that was discussed in multiple meetings.”

What Now?

Not since perhaps the Mar-a-Lago bathroom have documents caused public officials quite this many problems.  

The document is right about one thing: there is a “communications deficit.” Spending hours in executive session during board meetings does not help. Canceling planned community listening sessions does not help. 

If closing schools is the best course of action—and the board seems to believe it is—engaging with the community is crucial to getting the support that the memo notes is lacking. You have to be able to sell your vision. This includes listening to what families fear will be lost: unique programs (such as those for English language learners), community resources, access to health services, and even the ability for kids to walk to school. Then, you need to propose workable solutions.

Leaders need to engage in discussions on how proposed changes will impact systemic issues around academics, transportation, class size, and safety that parents are rightly concerned about. They need to engage. Period. 

As for the damage control? The board might want to redirect some of the $500,000 they are spending on external facilities evaluators towards authentic community building. There's no time to lose.

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