November 5, 2025 -- Over the course of three nights, Columbus City Schools (CCS) Superintendent and CEO Dr. Angela Chapman joined more than 650 parents, students and stakeholders for the Our Future, Our CCS Workshop Series to listen, learn and plan for the future. The public town hall meetings were designed to create a dynamic dialogue with students and families - even amid budget cuts - about the District’s vision to move toward a system with more modern school buildings, a simpler transportation system and programming that is tailored to helping students grow along their chosen path to college or careers.
“We welcome families into this critical conversation on Our Future, Our CCS so we can listen, learn and lead together,” said Supt. Chapman. “These public sessions give our families, staff, and community members a space to share their ideas about the future of Columbus City Schools at a time of ever shrinking State and Federal support. Every conversation helps shape the decisions our leadership and School Board members will make in the weeks ahead.”
A video of the Superintendent’s presentation is available here.
Several local elected leaders also attended the events to show their support for CCS students and families, including Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley and State Rep. Latyna Humphrey at the South High School event. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin and State Rep. Christine Cockley joined the event at West High School, while Columbus City Councilmember Nick Bankston and State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells connected with the community at Mifflin High School.
Each night, Dr. Chapman took the stage to outline her vision, presenting both the realities the District must confront and possibilities within reach.
Following Dr. Chapman’s remarks, the conversation moved into an hour-long workshop where participants rotated among tables with more detailed information and District experts in whole child services, building consolidation planning, school transportation, and school choice. The night wrapped up with an interactive budgeting challenge, giving participants a chance to vote for the priorities and shape how Columbus City Schools invests in its future. This information, combined with survey feedback, will help the District determine what matters most to the CCS community.
DEBUT AT SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
More than 200 people filled the halls of South High School for opening night.
The evening started with excitement and pride. Guests were welcomed with upbeat music by The Marching Bulldogs while culinary students from Columbus Downtown High School prepared and served light refreshments.
Community members’ feedback focused on keeping student success, equity, and access as top priorities. They encouraged District leaders to strengthen academics, protect special education, improve transportation, and communicate clearly during the realignment process.
For Superintendent Student Ambassador Tyrese Ingram, the night was about being heard, “I was honored to take part in the Town Hall. It gave students a real chance to share our ideas with District leaders. I hope we keep having these conversations because CCS students have a lot to offer—we’re the future leaders of Columbus.”
SECOND WORKSHOP SERIES EVENT AT WEST HIGH SCHOOL
In the discussions at West High School, transportation emerged as the most urgent concern. Some attendees worried that reduced busing would severely limit access for students. This includes busing for Career Center students and those traveling long distances for programs or sports.
Jamie Luna, a junior at Columbus Alternative High School, had the opportunity to speak directly with Dr. Chapman during the transportation breakout session. "It went really well," Jamie said. "Dr. Chapman was very specific on how they don't really want to stop certain things or cut off certain things, but they kind of have no choice in it.”.
Community members emphasized that the District’s budget should prioritize academics, civic education, and whole-child development, highlighting the link between academic success and community trust. Participants also called for transparency in building and consolidation decisions, continued investment in career-technical pathways, and equitable access to resources that meet students’ daily needs today, not decades into the future.
Among those who joined the discussion was Oakland Park Elementary Principal Mark Caudill, who said the evening served as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through community collaboration. "Community input is what is going to make or break a District, and being able to come together and do this type of thing is important to make the best choices for our kids," Caudill said.
FINALE AT MIFFLIN HIGH SCHOOL
At Mifflin High School's packed house, discussions were dynamic and heartfelt. Parents emphasized the importance of consistency in transportation and appreciated the transparency surrounding these decisions. Educators, Board of Education members, and families engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of schools.
"I'm hopeful about the future," said Columbus Gifted Academy Director Amanda Reed. "It's heartwarming and inspiring that Dr. Chapman and our community leaders have brought us together to give a voice to this effort. I'm hopeful that we will be able to give students the experiences that they deserve."
Parents were not immune to the frustrations shared by Board members and staff, especially in regards to State laws forcing busing of private and charter school students and a proposed State law that would force the District to sell underutilized school buildings in which local taxpayers have invested millions of dollars. Two examples of underutilized schools are Ohio Avenue Elementary School and Eastgate Elementary School.
