COLUMBUS, Ohio-The Columbus Education Association is calling for the resignation of school board member Brandon Simmons, alleging he authored a leaked document outlining divisive tactics to handle the union’s opposition to closing district schools.
The document proposes strategies like undermining the union’s voice, exploiting racial divisions, and manipulating media. While Simmons hasn’t responded to inquiries, the board president and other members remained silent.
The CEA condemns the document as corrupt and illegal, demanding rejection of its ideas and transparency from the board. They seek Simmons’ resignation, disclosure of involved members, public communication about school closures, and assurance that the tactics weren’t enacted. The CEA has obtained legal counsel and insists on restarting the school closure process. CEA President John Coneglio resigned from the closure task force, citing its failure to address the district’s growth needs and focus solely on mass school closures.
