Futures of several CCS school buildings in doubt

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The futures of several Columbus City Schools are in question and in the hands of a task force.

For the first time Tuesday evening, families got a close look at whether their child's school could potentially close or be consolidated.

The task force shared its initial recommendations with the board, and showed which schools students would switch to in the event of closures.

They laid out nine different scenarios impacting schools of all grade levels.

Dozens of parents and teachers showed up, calling on the task force to pause the process and include more school families in their discussions.

Parents at the meeting said they're shocked and upset after seeing the initial recommendations.

ALSO | View the district's nine scenarios being proposed

"It didn't feel real until I saw my children's school up there," said Susan Cavendish, whose children attend West Broad Elementary School. "I feel absolutely heartbroken but moreso I feel angry."

Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said the district values feedback from the families, and hearing from them is the next stop in the process.

"I would say to all of our parents, community members and stakeholders to take a deep breath," she said. "These are initial recommendations that have been submitted to begin the conversation about where we go from here. We want our community members and stakeholders to provide us with feedback."

To get that input, the district is expected to announced forums and gallery walks this month. Then, the task force plans to make its final recommendations to board members in June. The closures and consolidations will be in place by August 2025.