Columbus school board controversy continues
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Columbus Board of Education infighting over building consolidation has reached a flashpoint, with board members accusing each other of misconduct.
Why it matters: The board is working to repair public trust amid a contentious debate about possibly closing nine schools.
- But controversy among members has spurred distrust within the board itself, which could further delay decision-making.
Catch up quick: In May, a leaked school board strategy on how to "fight" teachers union criticism caused public outrage.
- One tactic proposed highlighting "racial dynamics" between the district's two employee unions.
- A board investigation concluded newly elected member Brandon Simmons was solely responsible for the document, but he claimed other members contributed to it.
The latest: Simmons has filed a complaint with the state auditor containing two audio recordings from May that he says support that assertion.
- The recordings are of Simmons and two other board members, Jennifer Adair and Tina Pierce, appearing to discuss the strategy document before it was publicly leaked, per WOSU.
- Simmons also alleges board members misused public money to conceal their involvement.
The other side: Simmons' colleagues called on him to resign Monday night in a resolution. They accuse him of sneaking into school buildings, threatening them, and hosting disruptive, unauthorized news conferences outside schools.
- They also restricted his board authority for the second time this year.
- He must now include district counsel on all emails, cannot represent the board at public events and must be escorted by security to and from all board meetings.
What they're saying: Simmons said in a statement he has faced "a pattern of retaliation" since filing his complaints.
- The board's spokesperson declined to comment Tuesday to Axios.
- Simmons "intends to review the resolution with his legal counsel and will respond later through the appropriate legal manner," per a statement.