COLUMBUS – Teachers and other personnel in Ohio’s largest school district are on strike for the first time since 1975.
Members of the Columbus Education Association voted overwhelmingly Sunday to reject the latest contract offer from the Columbus City Schools after months of negotiating failed to produce an agreement on issues like class size and curriculum.
“Let me be clear. This strike is about our students who deserve a commitment to modern schools with heating and air conditioning, smaller class sizes, and a well-rounded curriculum that includes art, music and P.E.,” union spokesperson Regina Fuente said in a statement released after 94% of the union’s nearly 4,500 members voted in favor of the walkout.
Teachers will begin picketing at 7:00 a.m. Monday at 20 locations outside district school buildings.
“Tonight’s vote by the Columbus Education Association (CEA) is incredibly disappointing. We are saddened by the unfortunate situation our families, our community and, most importantly, our children now face,” Jennifer Adair, Columbus Board of Education president, said in a statement posted on the district’s website.
Students will start the new school year remotely on Wednesday.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther called on both sides to return to the bargaining table.
“The past few years have underscored the value of our teachers, the resiliency of our kids and the need for Columbus City Schools to position itself for the future. But, more than anything, the pandemic has made clear the importance of having kids in the classroom,” he said. “The CEA and the school district must return to the table and get our kids back in the classroom. A responsible solution is within reach, but only if negotiations restart now.”
The Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting at 8:00 p.m. Monday.