COLUMBUS, Ohio-NBC4 Investigates delves into newly released documents from the Columbus City School Board, focusing on a controversial memo concerning a task force evaluating potential school closures. The memo allegedly advocated for racial divisions and isolating the teachers’ union to control discussions on consolidation.
Despite denials from board member Brandon Simmons, an investigation attributes the memo solely to him. Community leaders, including the president of the teachers’ union, call for Simmons’ resignation. However, Simmons claims involvement from other board members, though the investigation finds no evidence supporting this. The board has taken steps to address the issue, including censuring Simmons and releasing the investigation report publicly. Simmons disputes the findings and accuses the board of violating Ohio’s Open Meeting Law.
