Community sounds off on how Columbus schools can cut $50 million from budget

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Columbus City Schools hosted the first of three town halls Monday night, asking residents for feedback on where to cut $50 million from the budget for next school year.

The school board will vote this December on what cuts will be made.

Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman and board members have been calling for feedback from parents and community members for months. Monday at South High School, people got that opportunity.

“We do have to cut $50 million from the general fund for next school year, and so we can't say we have to protect everything and nothing is on the table,” Chapman said. “We have to make a decision.”

District leaders have discussed cuts to high school transportation and more school closures. Parents and students said they are most concerned about busing.

“I’ve been really agitated, especially about the transportation, because not many people are going to want their kids on a bus, especially around this area,” Columbus parent Melissa Ritz said.

“My grandmother just told me while she was riding the bus that there was a fight that happened,” South High School student Kyleana Howard said. “You don’t want your child to see that, be around that.”

The town hall also provided clarification for people overwhelmed by the size of the budget cut.

“It was definitely helpful,” Howard said. “It gave me more to think about.”

“I’m glad I came because like I said, I was really more upset with the district itself as far as the schools, but now that I'm here and I got to see, you know, what they're trying to accomplish, I feel bad for them,” Ritz said.

Chapman and Columbus City School Board President Michael Cole said big decisions are coming. Not everyone will be happy with the outcome, but everyone will have a voice in the process.

“We believe that by giving our community some choices to consider, it's not all or nothing; they have choices and so we welcome their feedback,” Chapman said.

A special board meeting is scheduled for Nov. 13, where cuts to staff and programs will be discussed. It’s set to be one of the final public conversations before the board votes on where to make the $50 million in cuts.

“As of December, it's about making the best decision that we have been equipped to make for the children of Columbus City Schools,” Cole said.

Two more town halls are scheduled for this week. People can attend events at West High School on Tuesday at 6 p.m. or at Mifflin High School on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

Anyone can view the town hall materials or share feedback with the district on its website by clicking here.