COLUMBUS, Ohio-The president of the Columbus Education Association, John Coneglio, criticized the “chaos” within the Columbus City School Board, following revelations of recorded phone calls among board members discussing a controversial leaked document. He expressed disappointment in board members for engaging in “infighting, cover-ups, and self-preservation,” rather than demonstrating good governance. The controversy centers around board member Brandon Simmons and a draft strategy regarding school closures that aimed to create divisions between the district’s unions. The recordings, obtained through a public records request, feature board Vice President Tina Pierce coaching Simmons on managing the fallout from the leaked document and redirecting blame to another board member. Coneglio emphasized that CCS students deserve better leadership.
