The Columbus City Board of Education, Ohio has announced the closure of five schools, describing the closures as “consolidations to better align and strengthen our school communities,” with implementation set to begin as early as the 2026-2027 school year.

“After extensive and thoughtful discussions about the future of our school facilities, the Board of Education has made the important decision to approve several of the school building closure and consolidation recommendations presented by the Superintendent’s Community Facilities Task Force,” said Christian Vera President, Columbus Board of Education.

“This means that 5 schools will close or consolidate, with implementation set to begin as early as the 2026-2027 school year.”

“The schools affected by this decision include:

• Broadleigh Elementary School
• Buckeye Middle School
• Columbus Alternative High School
• Moler Elementary School
• West Broad Elementary (* Contingent on funded Facility Master Plan moving forward to replace current building)

This decision was not made lightly, and we deeply understand that schools are much more than buildings. They are vibrant communities where students grow, friendships are formed, and futures take shape.

They are spaces filled with memories, opportunities, and the potential for so much more. Recognizing this, we approached this decision with a commitment to safeguarding our students’ educational experiences while ensuring the district’s sustainability and equity.

The Board’s policy on school closures takes into account various factors, including enrollment trends, program effectiveness, building capacity, safety and accessibility, and the age and condition of facilities.

Currently, our district faces challenges with under and over-enrolled schools, aging infrastructure, and facilities that are beyond cost-effective maintenance. These issues impact our ability to provide consistent and robust educational support services to every student in the district.

We are incredibly grateful for the input and feedback shared by staff, students, families, and community members throughout this process. Your voices were essential in helping the Board reevaluate and refine the recommendations from the Task Force, reducing the scope of the closures and consolidations originally proposed.

In the coming weeks, there will be ongoing opportunities for community feedback as we move forward. Starting in January, updates from the Superintendent and her team will be shared at least once a month during the second Board of Education meeting, ensuring transparency and continued engagement throughout this process.

Additionally, Dr. Chapman will establish a dedicated transition team to support students, families, and staff as they prepare to transition into new school communities.

We fully recognize the emotional weight of this decision and the impact it has on everyone involved. Please know that we are committed to approaching every step of this process with sensitivity, compassion, and respect for the students, families, and educators who make Columbus City Schools exceptional. Our focus remains steadfast on creating safe, supportive, and thriving school environments where all students can reach their full potential.

As we move forward together, let us remain united in our shared commitment to building a brighter future for current and future generations of Columbus City Schools students.” 

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