Columbus City Schools Faces Another $50 Million Shortfall, With Cuts, Closures and a Levy Under Discussion

Columbus City Schools is on course to spend more than $50 million beyond its means again unless it finds new revenue or makes further staff cuts and school closures, according to financial projections presented to district leaders on Tuesday.

The five-year forecast for Ohio's largest school district follows a year in which officials closed four schools, reduced bus transportation and eliminated 299 staff positions to close a different $50 million gap. District leaders say discussions on how to handle the new shortfall are only beginning, and the options could include more reductions or a new tax levy.

School Board President Antoinette Miranda, a longtime member of the state Board of Education who is in her first year leading the local board, did not rule out asking voters for a levy. She said the district can manage its finances in the short term, but argued that Ohio's next governor should pursue a lasting fix by funding schools at a higher level. "Unless legislators are willing to really fund public schools, we're gonna continue to struggle like this. And we're not the only district," she said.

Miranda said more cuts and closures are likely. Personnel accounts for 82% of the district's budget, she noted, so trimming another $50 million is difficult to do without affecting staff. Last year, she said, the district was fortunate to manage much of its reduction through attrition, but this year "it's going to be maybe a little bit different."

The projections did include some positive news. One of the district's largest expenses fell slightly because the state penalized it less for not transporting private school students. That change added $48 million to the $90 million in revenue growth the district expects over the five-year period.

Superintendent Angela Chapman said any conversations about reductions or a levy will take place publicly, and she stressed that neither she nor the board has made decisions on cuts. "Making budget reductions is hard. It's always hard," she said, adding that decisions involving staff are even tougher. Chapman said she wants to keep cuts far from the classroom but acknowledged that will be hard to do this year.

The financial warnings came as the district marked a milestone ahead of the first day of school on Thursday. Chapman and Miranda toured Salem Elementary School, which underwent a complete $6 million renovation. The money came from an operating levy voters approved in 2023, a separate source from the funds where the deficit is projected.

The upgrades at Salem include an outdoor classroom, improved indoor classrooms, new playground equipment, renovated bathrooms and updated technology. Blue murals line many classrooms and hallways, a nod to the school's shark mascot. Chapman said she expected students, staff and parents to be delighted when they arrived. "This building is going to be full of excitement tomorrow," she said.

Over the summer, the district also completed projects totaling $61 million at more than a dozen schools, including HVAC and roof replacements, athletic facility improvements, and work on parking lots and learning spaces. District officials told WOSU that Devonshire Elementary School, on the city's northeast side, will be the next school to be renovated.