COLUMBUS, Ohio-Columbus City Schools board member Brandon Simmons, 22, claimed that the district’s plan to close several school buildings will be halted, despite previous community consultations and task force recommendations. At a press conference outside Columbus Alternative High School, Simmons criticized his colleagues as lacking the will to act and declared the task force’s work as effectively ended. He also faced criticism for a leaked document he authored, which proposed strategies against the Columbus Education Association and led to his censure by the board. The board’s upcoming meeting does not include the closure plan on the agenda, and Simmons’ claims and actions have drawn mixed reactions, with the board president yet to respond.
