COLUMBUS — Columbus City Schools is discussing its first new school building construction in more than a decade, as district leaders weigh how to invest in facilities that will serve growing student populations for years to come. Chief Operating Officer Maurice Woods told The Columbus Dispatch the district wants to invest in buildings strategically, “so that we see a return on that over a longer period of time, benefitting more students in their neighborhoods.”
Woods said the planning is still early and that the district does not want to get “too far out in front of ourselves” without engaging the community first. “There still has to be an element of engagement, we still have to bring that community voice,” he said. Officials are considering consolidation in some areas to achieve economies of scale and deliver on the district’s vision.
Brown said the conversations reflect a new model for the district as Columbus and the surrounding region continue to grow. The district has been expanding its focus on career and workforce education through its “academy” models, and Brown said stronger neighborhood learning communities would give workforce partners something to rally behind.
“If you build stronger learning communities in neighborhoods feeding into high schools, I think it builds a compelling piece that your workforce partner should be excited about and want to lean into,” Brown said.
Adair said the discussions show what the district is capable of and that the district is ready for the work ahead. When committee members questioned whether the district could handle building projects and consolidation at the same time, the answer, Adair said, was yes.
The district’s last round of building projects dates back more than a decade. Any new construction plan would require school board approval, with community engagement sessions expected as the footprint takes shape.
