Teachers within Columbus City Schools are set to go on strike Monday after rejecting the school board's most recent proposal Sunday, just two days before classes start for the fall term.
More than 94% of therejected the latest contract proposal following five months of meetings between union leaders and school district administrators in an effort to reach a new deal. The union, which represents more than 4,000 school teachers, librarians, nurses and other employees, will go on strike just two days before the start of the school year.
"This strike is about our students who deserve a commitment to modern schools with heating and air conditioning, smaller class sizes, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes art, music and P.E," the CEA said in a statement released. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther released a statement, urging teachers to return to their schools and emphasizing the importance of having children in the classroom. "The CEA and the school district must return to the table and get our kids back in the classroom. A responsible solution is within reach, but only if negotiations restart now," the statement read.
Jennifer Adair, Columbus Board of Education president, also released a statement shortly after the vote concluded, saying:"Tonight’s vote by the Columbus Education Association is incredibly disappointing. We are saddened by the unfortunate situation