Columbus School Board faces budget cuts and busing changes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Columbus Board of Education had a meeting Tuesday night that was jam-packed with different important topics, including millions of dollars worth of budget cuts, potential busing changes, and the district’s scores on the state report card.

Board members and district leaders have a lot of decisions to make in the near future, and all could have consequences for students and staff.

Board President Michael Cole said it all comes down to improving student outcomes.

“We’re all committed to problem-solving. And we all have incredible faith that this is going to work out best for our students, maybe not in the ways that we've wanted optimally, but certainly in a way that we're driven to ensure student outcomes that are positive,” said Cole.

Board members discussed the possibility of changing the transportation policy that says the district must bus high school students. That means 9th through 12th graders may not have buses picking them up in the near future, or they could be given COTA bus passes instead.

“Ensuring access to transportation for kids is important. So we don't want to take off the table the opportunity to ensure kids have a bus ride to school. It just may look different,” said Cole.

The district treasurer also reiterated the need for $50 million in cuts. But even with the cuts, the treasurer said deficit spending has not stopped, just slowed down. That means more cuts will likely be needed down the road.

Dr. Angela Chapman, superintendent of CCS, and other leaders are currently working on recommendations for the budget cuts.

“The superintendent and the administration are working hard to ensure that we understand what that is and ideally what the impacts are and where we need to shift things back to the classroom, back to student achievement and success,” said Cole.

With the state report card that just came out, Cole said CCS saw improvements in graduation rates, early literacy, and math scores.

But decisions on transportation and budget cuts could have negative consequences.

Cole said it’s a difficult path forward, and the board welcomes suggestions from the community.

“Give us feedback. We are wide open with arms and heart and mindset to accept whatever folks are trying to tell us that are problem-solving oriented,” said Cole.

Dr. Chapman and district leaders will present their recommendations for budget cuts to the school board in November.

Cole encouraged parents and community members to come to board meetings or district events if they have any suggestions or questions ahead of the presentation.