March 28, 2025

Dear Columbus City Schools Families & Colleagues,

This week, my primary focus has been understanding the harm done to our students, families and staff because of the name and gender change in the student information system. By listening to our students, their parents and caregivers, our CCS staff, and members of the Columbus community who support our students, I have further learned the importance of prioritizing the needs of every single student we are here to serve. I am truly grateful for everyone who opened up and shared their stories and experiences with me—your voices matter, and they are helping guide the path forward.

I understand the hurt and frustration that this change has caused. I understand the need for every child to be seen, valued, and supported here at Columbus City Schools. I apologize to you, our CCS community, for how we fell short.

We cannot shy away from the undue stress and confusion this change created. We did not provide prior notice this was occurring, nor did we ensure support was in place to prioritize the emotional well-being of everyone impacted. Most importantly, we did not provide the reassurance that we care deeply about every student’s well-being and success. 

As your superintendent, I expect more from our team. We can and will do better. We will work alongside you to ensure all children feel safe, respected, and cared for in our schools. I want to thank our CARE team, school counselors, resource counselors, school social workers, school leaders, and all of our school staff who have banded together to meet the needs of our transgender and gender variant students.

While our team continues to investigate how this system failing was able to occur and works toward ensuring this will not happen in the future, we are also working with trusted community partners to put in place a plan for how we move forward. We cannot truly educate the Whole Child without first recognizing and honoring the identities and needs of each child.

Unfortunately, the Ohio Legislature continues its attacks on transgender and gender variant students. We see this in Ohio Revised Code 3319.30, referred to as “The Bathroom Bill”, Ohio Revised Code 3313.473, referred to as “The Parent Bill of Rights,” the newly introduced House Bill 172, that could diminish access to mental health services to minors, and the newly introduced House Bill 190, that would penalize districts financially for supporting transgender youth and employees. 

While we may not be able to shift the views of state and federal policymakers overnight—and while we must operate within the boundaries of the law to protect our students and staff—I want to be clear about where I stand. I am proud to have transgender and gender variant students and colleagues at Columbus City Schools. I am inspired by their courage and their determination to be true to themselves. I am committed to supporting all students in every way we can, to create school environments that are welcoming, safe, and filled with love. Even when there are limitations to what we can do, we will continue to show up, speak out, and stand beside our students and staff. We will never turn our backs on them.

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication as we continue working together to provide inclusive and supportive learning spaces for everyone.

With appreciation and solidarity,

Dr. Angela Chapman

Superintendent/CEO,  Columbus City Schools