This vote represents a clear rebuke of the Board’s current approach and its failure to hold accountable the corporations, consultants, and vendors whose actions contributed to the crisis facing district employees and taxpayers. Rather than pursuing accountability from those responsible, the Board has instead chosen to place the burden on educators, support staff, and students.
“Our members have lost confidence in the Board’s ability to effectively govern the district, protect public resources, and act in the best interests of students and staff,” said John Coneglio, CEA President. “The Board has failed to acknowledge its role in this crisis, failed to pursue recovery of misspent funds, and failed to provide the leadership our schools deserve.”
The resolution calls on the Columbus School Board to:
Engage in meaningful and transparent communication with educators,
Explain why no action has been taken to recover funds from vendors involved in the healthcare crisis,
Commit to independent oversight of future health plan administration,
Publicly take responsibility for its role in creating the current situation.
CEA is calling on teachers, support staff, parents, community members, and all public workers to attend the Columbus City Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. and make their voices heard.
Educators warn that attacks on employee healthcare and promised layoffs of teachers is only the first steps in a broader agenda that threatens the long-term stability of the district and our city at large. At a time when Columbus is experiencing significant economic growth and prosperity, The Columbus City School Board leadership is preparing for an additional $50 million in cuts to public education instead of demanding greater investment in students and neighborhood schools.
“While working families are being asked to sacrifice, public officials continue to support tax abatements, subsidies, and incentives that overwhelmingly benefit wealthy interests,” President John Coneglio stated. “Instead of fighting for adequate resources for our students, the Board is embracing disinvestment and austerity. We believe that approach is morally indefensible, and we intend to shine a light on every decision-maker facilitating these policies.
That begins with the Columbus City Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday at 5:00 p.m. at 3700 S. High Street.
CEA leaders say the frustration extends beyond a single issue and reflects growing concern among educators, public employees, and residents who feel their interests have been repeatedly subordinated to those of powerful economic and political interests.
“Regardless of political affiliation, people are tired of watching local elected officials’ side with financial elites and campaign donors while working families are asked to do more with less,” CEA spokesperson Regina Fuentes stated. “Our elected leaders can acknowledge the harm that has been done and change course, or they can expect growing public opposition at school board meetings, at City Hall, and wherever decisions affecting our communities are being made.”
CEA believes public education is one of the most important investments a community can make and is calling on residents throughout Columbus to stand together against policies that place the interests of large corporations and wealthy donors ahead of students, educators, working families, and neighborhoods.
“The tide is changing,” said John Coneglio “We will continue to hold both the School Board and city leaders accountable for decisions that prioritize powerful interests over the needs of Columbus families. Our students, educators, and communities deserve better.”
Tuesday’s action marks the beginning of a broader campaign to advocate for a stronger future for Columbus students, public schools, public workers, and working families across the city.
“We have no illusions that this will be a short struggle,” CEA Spokesperson Regina Fuentes said. “But we are putting the political and economic establishment on notice. We will build coalitions with anyone willing to stand with teachers, students, public workers, and working families. We will work with anyone committed to investing in public education, and we will organize, mobilize, and advocate for a vision of Columbus that puts people before profits and public investment before austerity.” Media Contact Columbus Education Association
John Coneglio, President
614-537-9345
