COLUMBUS – As teachers in Ohio’s largest school district spend a second day on the picket lines, the city of Columbus, the Columbus Metropolitan Library and some area nonprofit organizations are planning to provide spaces where students in the Columbus City Schools can go to access online learning tools.
The city is providing nine community centers which will operate beginning Wednesday, the scheduled first day of classes for the district, and provide safe spaces for its 47,000 students to attend class remotely.
“From technical assistance and internet connectivity to a stable learning environment, these Student Support Centers are designed to empower our children with the basic resources they need to stay safe, active and engaged while their teachers and the district lay the foundation for their return to the classroom,” Mayor Andrew Ginther said.
YMCA of Central Ohio and Boys and Girls Club of Central Ohio are also contributing facilities and Columbus Metropolitan Library is operating Homework Help Centers at all branch locations to assist students. I Know I Can is also providing important staff and other resources to the effort.
The district will conduct classes remotely as a strike by its nearly 4,500 teachers and other personnel continues.
The Columbus Education Association voted overwhelmingly Sunday night in favor of walking out after contract talks with the district broke down.