ADVERTISEMENT

    Democratic Challengers for Columbus Board of Education: We Stand With Our Teachers

    After members of the Columbus Education Association unanimously voted no confidence in the current Columbus City School Board members, progressive Democratic challengers for Columbus Board of Education Abby Vaile, Amy Harkins and Erin Upchurch voiced their solidarity with the teachers union.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    “We stand with our teachers and we support them,” said Vaile, a former union representative with the CEA and educator in Columbus City Schools. “They want to do what’s best for our students, but the School Board is forcing them to sacrifice their pay and working conditions.”

    “It’s an injustice to our teachers and our schools,” said Vaile. “We have to lift up our educators when they tell us their needs, not shut them down.”

    The Columbus School Board routinely cites budget shortfalls as reason for underpaying teachers and support staff, yet just last week the Board gave $18 million in tax breaks to a development project led by the Pizzuti Companies, over $12 million of which would have gone to Columbus City Schools. This year alone, the Pizzuti PAC has given over $17,000 to Columbus politicians.

    “There is money and there always has been money,” Harkins said. “When the Board gives millions away to ultra-wealthy developers and won’t agree to pay their teachers, it’s our children, our families and our communities that suffer.”

    In today’s Columbus Dispatch, CEA President Tracey Johnson said members felt “disrespected by the board with their offer.” She said that more and more teachers might have to “work to the rule” and refuse to do any additional work than written in their contract.

    “We have powerful educators committed to doing what it takes to make sure our children succeed,” Upchurch said. “We must support our teachers in fulfilling our district’s mission to ensure that each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community.”

    There are three seats on the seven-member board up for re-election this November. Vaile, Harkins and Upchurch are independent Democrats challenging current members Dominic Paretti, Ramona Reyes and Michael Cole.

    For more information, visit yeswecancolumbus.org.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    The Confluence Cast: Downtown with Michael Brown

    We're exploring the evolution of downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city's development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground editor Walker Evans and Mike delve into the city's challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus's young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.

    Wave of Ohio Zoomers Registering to Vote This November

    More than 48,600 18-year-olds are registered to vote in Ohio as of Jan. 6 — a 35% increase compared to late August, according to data analyzed by the Civics Center, a nonpartisan organization trying to increase voter registration.

    Opinion: The Farm Crest Bakeries Building is a Building Worth Saving

    Despite what you might hope, Columbus’s days of tearing...

    The Confluence Cast: Columbus’ Youngest Elected Official, Brandon Simmons

    Big cities have big city problems. Columbus’s newest school board member argues that the inequity of our schools shows that we certainly are a big city.
    Madeline Stocker
    Madeline Stocker
    Madeline currently works as the Communications Coordinator for Yes We Can Columbus. She has previously done press work for For Ohio's Future, SEIU, the Fight for $15 campaign and various newspapers across Ohio and New England. Madeline is passionate about building systems that bridge the income gap, disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and center the voices of communities of color and small business owners. You can reach her at [email protected] or [email protected].
    ADVERTISEMENT