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Columbus City Schools board member Sarah Ingles admitted to sharing the leaked document with the Columbus Education Association (CEA), which has sparked controversy amid discussions about school closures. The document outlined a strategy for handling opposition to the closure plan.
Key highlight:
- The document in question is a draft of a strategy for handling opposition to school closures and was first published Tuesday by the Columbus Education Association, the union representing the district’s more than 4,500 teachers and other educational professionals. In its release, the CEA said the document was racially divisive, and called for a pause to the closure process and for Board Member Brandon Simmons to resign.
- Sarah Ingles, a board member, stated she was unaware of the document’s existence until it was shared with her, emphasizing she wasn’t present at any meeting where it was discussed. After careful consideration, she chose to disclose the document, expressing shock and dismay at its contents, citing its divisive nature as unacceptable for the district’s mission.
- CEA President John Coneglio praised Sarah Ingles for her actions and emphasized the importance of transparency by making the document public. Additionally, the CEA sent a letter to Columbus City Schools, highlighting evidence that parts of the leaked plan had already been implemented. The letter pointed out irregularities in seating, agenda, and a changed meeting location. Furthermore, the CEA highlighted a media tour of poor conditions at one school, mentioned in the leaked document, as evidence of its validity.
- John Coneglio expressed doubt that Brandon Simmons acted alone, suggesting Simmons was part of a collaborative effort. Christina Vera, the Board President, stated during a board meeting that Simmons acted independently and was not asked for recommendations. She emphasized that the strategies in the document do not reflect the perspectives of Columbus City Schools or the entire Board of Education, and no action will be taken to implement Simmons’ suggestions.
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