Columbus Education Justice Coalition Holds First Town Hall Addressing Multibillion‑Dollar School Deficit
Updated (2 articles)
Inaugural community‑led town hall convened Saturday On February 22, 2026, the Columbus Education Justice Coalition hosted its first public meeting titled “The People’s State of Our Schools,” gathering teachers, administrators, parents and local leaders to discuss the district’s fiscal crisis and potential reforms [1]. Organizers framed the event as a platform for direct community input on school‑closing decisions made by the board. Attendees included alumni such as Jennifer Crayton, who voiced support for collective action.
District confronts multibillion‑dollar budget shortfall Columbus City Schools is facing a deficit measured in the billions, driven by steep reductions in state aid and escalating operational costs [1]. The board has recently approved several school closures, citing the funding gap as justification. Officials warned that continued shortfalls could further erode programs and staffing levels.
Community schools model proposed as reform alternative Coalition members presented the community‑schools framework, which pairs academic instruction with health, social and enrichment services delivered through neighborhood partnerships [1]. The model stresses increased family involvement, local business investment and coordinated support services to offset budget cuts. Proponents argue that this approach can improve student outcomes while reducing reliance on traditional funding streams.
Coalition leadership emphasizes neighborhood‑focused strategy Izetta Thomas, director of the coalition, urged decision‑makers to prioritize the specific needs of each neighborhood rather than applying uniform austerity measures [1]. She highlighted the “village” ethos expressed by parents, insisting that schools serve as community hubs. Thomas called for policy shifts that align resources with local demographic and economic realities.
Follow‑up public engagement scheduled for later February Organizers announced a second community conversation will take place later in February, providing additional opportunities for residents to influence budgeting and reform discussions [1]. The coalition plans to compile feedback from both meetings to present to the school board. Continued dialogue aims to sustain momentum toward a more equitable funding structure.
Timeline
Oct 22, 2024 – The inaugural 10 Listens town hall convenes in Columbus’s Hilltop neighborhood, where organizers state “the goal is to listen to neighbors about concerns and needs,” gathering resident input on safety, homelessness, health‑care access, and food deserts [2].
Late 2024 – 2025 – The 10 Listens project expands to Linden, Near East Side, South Side, Eastland, Whitehall, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, Westerville, Hilliard, and Sunbury, broadening community dialogue across central Ohio and documenting local issues such as crime, grocery access, and infrastructure gaps [2].
2025 – Follow‑up actions from the town halls produce tangible outcomes, including new sidewalk installations and targeted business‑support programs in participating neighborhoods, showing the initiative’s ability to translate listening into concrete improvements [2].
2025 onward – Organizers announce plans to revisit neighborhoods, hold additional listening sessions, and continue assessing changes, signaling an ongoing commitment to civic engagement and problem‑solving in the region [2].
Feb 22, 2026 – The Columbus Education Justice Coalition hosts its first community‑led town hall, “The People’s State of Our Schools,” drawing educators, parents, and leaders to confront a multibillion‑dollar district deficit and discuss school closures driven by reduced state funding [1].
Feb 22, 2026 – Coalition director Izetta Thomas asserts “schools must hone in on neighborhood needs,” promoting a community‑schools model that emphasizes local partnerships, family involvement, and neighborhood investment as an alternative to funding cuts [1].
Feb 22, 2026 – Parents, including alumna Jennifer Crayton, echo a “village” ethos, saying “we need a village” to shape upcoming decisions that directly affect their children and neighborhoods, reinforcing the town hall’s collaborative purpose [1].
Feb 2026 (later month) – Coalition leaders schedule a follow‑up community conversation later in February, extending public input on school‑funding reforms and the implementation of the community‑schools approach [1].