The Columbus City Schools board member censured for a controversial document that targeted school mergers and closures is talking for the first time a week befo
board member censured for a controversial document that targeted school mergers and closures is talking for the first time a week before the board reconvenes from July break.in an exclusive interview with ABC6 News this week.
"I realize there were people who were personally hurt when they read the document." In June, the CCS Board of Education decided to delay a vote on the recommendations to close 20 different schools. That's afterwhat he called a communication strategy to push for the closures that he titled, "Taking Control of the Task Force Narrative." His plan aimed at drowning out opposing views before a final vote. "I would say I got desperate to deliver for our students. That desperation caused me to set my values aside," said Simmons.Simmons passed out to board members and CCS staff in May, he suggested stacking public comment to meet his agenda and move public comment to the end of lengthy school board meetings. At the May 21st board meeting, a third grader had to wait two and a half hours to ask the board not to close West Broad Elementary at the end of the meeting. The time the student had an opportunity to make public comment was close to nine o'clock on a school night. "We got disconnected and it put me in a position that I made decisions I shouldn't have," said Simmons. "This was a whole board failure. It really was. It was a whole board failure." A report released by CCS on Simmons' document stated he wanted to go to war with the teachers' union. The Columbus Education Association endorsed Simmons on his run for school board last year. Simmons also supported CEA during its strike in 2022."No. I don't think it is hypocrisy," he responded. "I think it is, um, as folks grow and learn and get new information." Simmons' document came to light when board member Jennifer Adair kept her copy and sent photos of it to board member Sarah Ingles. Ingles admits sending it to the labor union. CEA members told ABC6 News that Simmons' plan opened the door to violations of Ohio's open meetings laws. "Those are two attorneys who are on the school board. So again, when they see this, do you think that there could be complications with Ohio laws.. that this is not okay?" ABC6 News asked Simmons regarding the actions taken by Adair and Ingles.Still censured, Simmons now says he sits in a good position on the board after their July break. "I'm probably not getting reelected, and that's okay because that means I'm in a position to do what's right," said Simmons. He said he now plans to be honest, and that includes what he calls a lack of action from his colleagues on school mergers and closures. He said he doubts a board vote will take place to close schools despite underutilized buildings in the district and declining enrollment. "Ultimately, I don't think my colleagues have the gumption to tell you. That's the truth," he said. "There's just not the political will to do what needs to be done." When asked what life lessons he's learned at 23-years-old and several months into his first elected position, Simmons broke down into tears before ending the interview with a laugh and a smile. "You really learn who your friends are. You learn who is going to pick up the phone and who's not," he said. "In terms of other life lessons, don't hand out as many copies, right?" According to CCS, no date has been set as to when the board may take a vote on existing recommendations to close schools.
Board School Document Closures CCS Meeting Reelected
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