Summarizing School Closing Proposals

If you read this newsletter, you probably already know that CCS is considering closing up to 20 schools beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Here’s what we know—and what we don’t—after watching the facilities presentation at the school board meeting on May 7.

What schools might close? 

The schools named during the meeting are: ​​Buckeye Middle School, Fairwood K-6, Siebert K-6, Moler K-6, Marion-Franklin High School, West Broad Elementary, Valley View Elementary, Lindbergh Elementary, Cranbrook Elementary, Hubbard Elementary, Duxberry Elementary, North Linden Elementary, Northtowne Elementary, Innis Elementary, Johnson Park Middle School, Sherwood Middle School and Broadleigh Elementary. 

Additionally, some specialized programs currently run in buildings that may close. These programs would continue to operate in different, consolidated facilities. The schools potentially affected are Columbus Gifted Academy, Columbus Alternative High School, Downtown High School, and Boys Preparatory.

The different options are presented in scenarios available here. 

How were these schools picked? 

In an email to district parents about the decision sent on May 8, Superintendent Chapman explains the task force (full name: the “Superintendent’s Community Facilities Task Force”) had a mandate to “evaluate data-driven insights and engage comprehensively with the community to create recommendations regarding potential school closures or consolidations.” The process included a community survey for parents and students, as well as an activity looking at utilization in each building. 

What if I did not feel “comprehensively” engaged? 

You are not alone in that. CEA President John Coneglio cited a lack of meaningful community input as one of the reasons behind his recent resignation from the task force. However, community forums are planned across the city in the coming month, so if your schedule permits you to show up to the Whetstone Recreation Center in the middle of a Wednesday morning, your engagement can level up. (There are several sessions planned during the evenings and virtually as well).

How many schools are going to close?

There wasn’t a straightforward answer about how many of these proposed scenarios the district anticipates implementing. Jim Negron, a co-chair of the task force and president of CK Construction company, encouraged those asking about the end game to get involved and to “trust the process,” according to the Dispatch.  

What happens now?

Engagement sessions are scheduled through June 1, with final recommendations scheduled to be presented to the school board later in June. No buildings are scheduled to close until 2025.

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