COLUMBUS, Ohio-On the first day of the 2024-25 school year, students at North Linden Elementary School in Columbus City Schools were welcomed amid uncertainty about the school’s future. North Linden is one of nine Columbus schools proposed for closure as part of a district-wide realignment plan. Aissata Kone, who enrolled her daughter at North Linden for fifth grade, expressed concern about the impact of a potential closure on her child’s experience and social connections. The Superintendent’s Facilities Task Force had earlier recommended closing 11 schools, including six elementary, two middle, and one high school, a reduction from the 20 buildings initially considered for closure.
