May 14, 2025 -- Columbus City Schools (CCS) leaders and principals came together to tackle a big question: How can the District make the most of its resources to give every student the best education possible? As enrollment patterns shift and financial considerations remain a priority, identifying effective solutions to meet student needs has never been more important.
"It's important more than ever that we look at our practices and determine which made a difference for our learners," said Principal Coach Emma Corbin. "Our end user is our student. If we hypothesize one thing and it doesn't result in a change in the end, then that is not something that we should continue to invest in. It's time to work smarter, not harder."
Columbus City Schools is listening closely to community concerns as it carefully navigates its realignment initiative, a plan aimed at strengthening the District’s ability to provide a high-quality education for all students. Families have understandable questions about potential changes, including school consolidations, and how they might affect their children's learning experiences. CCS leaders are committed to making thoughtful, student-centered decisions that prioritize both education and the responsible use of resources.
CCS principals and district leadership met at the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) offices in Westerville for a professional development session focused on exploring innovative solutions. Keynote speaker Dr. Marguerite Roza, Director of the Edunomics Lab at Georgetown University, shared data-driven, student-focused strategies that challenge traditional thinking. Her insights encouraged school leaders to consider creative approaches to funding, school operations, and long-term sustainability.
"Today is a great opportunity for Columbus City Schools," said Superintendent and CEO of Columbus City Schools Dr. Angela Chapman. "Leaders from across multiple departments, the treasurer, superintendent, and internal auditor to come together and think about how we can be better stewards of the very finite resources that we have in the District and leverage those resources for improving student outcomes."
Dr. Roza's research focuses on how school funding is affected by student enrollment and how districts can spend money more effectively. In a recent study, Dr. Roza discusses under-enrollment and the cost per student, which often pulls funds away from programs that could serve a larger number of students.
"The excitement, energy, and questions I've seen at this workshop has been nothing short of phenomenal," said Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer at Columbus City Schools, Ryan Cook. "The community was extremely supportive with the passage of our levy. We are entering the phase of looking at how we do business. What return can we begin to expect on the dollars that the community has entrusted us with to maximize student achievement?"
Columbus City Schools is focused on preparing students for success beyond graduation, ensuring they have the skills to compete in any path they choose. Dr. Roza challenged district leaders to rethink their use of resources to make that happen.
"Principals will protect what makes a difference for kids," Corbin said. "By putting this work in the hands of principals to strategize around their budgets, they can focus on what their students need. They know what's working in their buildings. It's about shifting from a broad, top-down view to those directly in the classrooms daily."
CCS is not alone; school districts nationwide are shifting the conversations around budgeting and reprioritization of funding. Leaders had the opportunity to see real-world examples of how other districts have successfully navigated similar challenges.
From Pittsburgh to San Francisco to Atlanta, urban school districts are rethinking what is possible and shifting their perspectives on competitiveness in the ever-changing educational landscape.
"Today is going to help us make better-informed decisions," said Board of Education Vice President Jennifer Adair. "[It will] drive us to achieving the ultimate goal of realignment to improve student outcomes. I'm excited about that because that's our community's vision, and that's where they really want us to get to."
Conversations about school finances have become more critical than ever as communities demand greater transparency in spending public education dollars. The goal is not simply to cut costs but to invest wisely in ways that will significantly impact student success. By focusing on fair resource distribution and long-term sustainability, CCS is working to create a District where every student has access to the education they deserve and that taxpayers expect.
