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Board Meeting Preview: December 15, 2020
Columbus City Schools
Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, December 15, at 5:30 pm
VIEWING THE BOARD MEETING
The Columbus Board of Education (BOE) will hold its regular business meeting virtually on Tuesday, December 15, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be streamed on Facebook Live and on the Columbus City Schools’ YouTube Channel, which allows the public to attend virtually. For more information on meeting dates and times, click here to view the meeting agenda. To view past Board meetings, click the Columbus City Schools Board of Education YouTube Channel.
Two School Buildings Sold
The Board of Education will be asked to approve the sale of two Columbus City Schools (CCS) Buildings.
Board Members will be asked to approve the sale of the former Starling Middle School, 120 S. Central Avenue, to Woda Cooper Development for $1.2 million. Following the Ohio Revised Code, the BOE first tried to sell the building to other government entities. No one came forward to purchase the former school building. An unsuccessful auction in which no bids were received was held next, and now the BOE is permitted to sell the former Starling Middle School through a private sale.
Board Members will also be asked to approve the sale of the Trades and Industry Building, 278 E. Spring Street to Columbus State Community College (CSCC) for $2.4 million. In September 2016, the BOE declared the Trades and Industry Building as surplus. In August 2019, the BOE approved a lease of the property with CSCC with the option to purchase. CSCC now wants to buy the building for $2.4 million.
Tools for Blended Learning
The Office of Information Technology seeks to purchase an additional 1,000 Wi-Fi ‘hot spot’ devices for students who do not have the internet at home. These ‘hot spot’ devices will help students access online curriculum. Money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Fund will be used for this expenditure.
Board Members will also be asked to approve the purchase of additional custodial supplies using CARES Act funding. The custodial supplies are needed, so school buildings are safe and secure when students return to classrooms in January.
New Auditorium Seating
Board Members will be asked to approve a contract for $70,000 that will provide new seating for the auditorium at Briggs High School, 2555 Briggs Road. The auditorium seating has been in place since the school was first constructed in 1974. Once approved, the new auditorium seating is expected to be in place by the Spring of 2021.
HVAC Improvements
The District’s “Operation: Fix It” initiative, funded by the 2016 passage of Issue 57, will be used to replace the HVAC systems at Eastmoor Academy, 417 S. Weyant Avenue, and Columbus City Preparatory School for Boys, 3450 Medway Avenue. The project, estimated to cost $5.2 million, is expected to be completed by the start of the 2021-2022 school year. At that time, all classroom space at both schools will have an updated centralized heating and cooling system.
UPCOMING EVENTS
December 16: Board of Education Special Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
*Purpose of the Special Meeting is to discuss current school culture, climate, and safety topics, including identifying future needs and alignment to the district’s strategic plan.
December 18: 30-Minute Early Release
December 21- January 1: All Schools Closed for Winter Break