Columbus City Schools Board of Education in Ohio held an emergency meeting Monday night after the Columbus Education Association voted on Sunday to strike.Negotiations stalled after the union reject the school boards “best and final” offer. The teachers are looking for reduced class sizes and a return of full-time art, music, and physical education teachers in elementary schools. They are also asking for fully functional Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) in every school.In their latest offer, the school board promised teachers 3 percent annual raises for three years, an extra planning day and paid leave for new parents. The board also said it would hire 25 nurses, behavioral specialists, school psychologists and speech language pathologists in 2024 and 2025.The board committed to installing air conditioning in every school except one that is slated to be replaced.Teachers, parents and students marched and chanted outside the emergency meeting, which went on well into the night.Board of Education President Jennifer Adair said in a statement that the board is “working to find a collaborative path forward.”“To our school community, like you, we are extremely saddened by this start to the school year. Please be assured we will support your children and families with the resources they need in this time of uncertainty. We intend to continue to find resolution in a way that focuses on the best interests of our students,” she said.School is back in session Wednesday in the district, and students will return to remote learning if the strike continues.
