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Columbus City Schools Board Cuts 62 Admin Jobs, Freezes Salaries to Address $50 Million Deficit

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Board Unanimously Approves 62 Administrative Reductions On February 4, 2026, the Columbus City Schools Board of Education voted 9‑0 to eliminate or suspend 62 central‑office positions, including 34 vacant posts, 19 contract‑suspended roles, six family‑engagement coordinators, and three health‑services supervisors, projecting a $7 million saving that exceeds the $6.6 million target set in December [1]. The resolution also reduces the district’s administrative headcount from 411 to an anticipated 349 after the cuts are fully implemented [1]. Board members framed the action as a necessary step to address a $50 million budget shortfall while preserving classroom instruction [1].

Salary Freeze Targets Non‑School‑Based Administrators Simultaneously, the board adopted a salary‑freeze resolution covering all administrators who do not work directly in schools, aiming to curb expenditures without affecting teachers or support staff [1]. The freeze applies to existing contracts and future hires in central‑office roles, reinforcing the district’s effort to limit payroll growth [1]. Officials indicated the measure will complement the staffing cuts and help meet the deficit reduction goals [1].

Leadership Emphasizes Classroom Protection and Vacancy Focus Board President Dr. Antoinette Miranda described the decisions as “complex,” stressing that the priority is to protect classroom environments and maintain programs for students [1]. Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman clarified that the eliminated positions are either already vacant or slated to become vacant due to retirements, emphasizing that performance is not the basis for the cuts [1]. Both leaders highlighted that the reductions target supervisory roles far removed from direct student interaction [1].

Deficit Context Includes Prior Cuts and Facility Closures The staffing reductions follow a series of December actions that eliminated transportation for certain K‑8 students, closed four schools—Broadleigh Elementary, Buckeye Middle, Moler Elementary, and the McGuffey Facility—and cut more than $50 million from the budget in response to declining state aid [1]. Administrative staffing had risen from 309 pre‑COVID to 411, prompting the board to rebalance the workforce after the latest cuts [1]. Parents and students voiced concerns about potential impacts on special‑education services and overall support, though the newly elected board pledged responsible spending [1].

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Timeline

Dec 2025 – The district’s December actions eliminate transportation for certain K‑8 students, close Broadleigh Elementary, Buckeye Middle, Moler Elementary and the McGuffey Facility, and cut more than $50 million from the budget, while administrative staff swell from a pre‑COVID 309 positions to 411, setting the fiscal backdrop for upcoming cuts[1].

Dec 31, 2025 – The Board releases a mixed 2024‑25 evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman, rating her “partially effective,” noting she “built community relationships” but “struggled to articulate a district vision,” and flagging several million dollars of grant funds left unspent[4].

Jan 7, 2026 – Three newly elected board members are sworn in and Dr. Antoinette Miranda is chosen president; she declares the board will demand a “clear, ambitious and measurable strategic plan” outlining goals for the next 5, 10 and 15 years, signaling a long‑term focus amid fiscal strain[3].

Jan 7, 2026 – The Board rates Superintendent Chapman as partially effective and highlights that roughly 75 % of unused grant dollars were not earmarked for CCS programs, prompting discussion of the district’s role as a fiscal agent for external schools[3].

Jan 7, 2026 – Superintendent Chapman warns that “the conversation is heavy,” announces the district will bring staff‑reduction proposals to the next board meeting, promises advance notice to affected employees, and outlines a phased transition through the spring, prioritizing natural attrition before involuntary cuts[2].

Jan 7, 2026 – Board members prepare to vote on staffing reductions tied to the $50 million budget cuts, with individual staff names slated for agenda items, indicating that personnel decisions will begin imminently[3].

Feb 4, 2026 – The Columbus City Schools Board votes unanimously to eliminate 62 administrative positions—including 34 vacant posts and 19 suspended contracts—projecting $7 million in savings and exceeding the $6.6 million target, while also freezing salaries for all non‑school‑based administrators to protect classroom staffing[1].

Feb 4, 2026 – Board President Dr. Antoinette Miranda stresses the cuts are “complex” but that the board views budgets as “people, programs and learning environments,” emphasizing the priority of limiting impact on classrooms[1].

Feb 4, 2026 – Superintendent Chapman clarifies the reductions target vacant central‑office roles, not performance‑based positions, noting most affected jobs supervise other adults far from the classroom[1].

Feb 4, 2026 – Parents and students voice concerns and hopes: Parent Sheila Hill warns cuts could strain special‑education services, while student Colton Crayton hopes the “newly elected board will spend money right,” reflecting community stakes in the fiscal decisions[1].

Spring 2026 (planned) – The district plans to complete all staff‑impact notifications and transitions by the end of the school year, giving employees time to plan for reassignments or departures as the budget adjustments take effect[2].

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