Board members gathered Wednesday evening for a special meeting that lasted more than four hours.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus City Schools Board of Education decided to censure fellow board member Brandon Simmons Wednesday night following controversy over a leaked document.
Board members gathered Wednesday evening for a special meeting that lasted more than four hours. The school board discussed considerations for charges and complaints against a public official.
The meeting came days after board member Sarah Ingles leaked the document titled “Taking Control of the Task Force Narrative,” which Simmons was the creator of.
The six-page document describes the creation of a divide between the Columbus Education Association — the union representing more than 4,500 teachers and education professionals — and the Columbus School Employees Association.
The document lists methods for postponing sharing “bad news” with the public until later meetings if there is other “good” news to share. It also details rewarding “good” media with “priority interviews” and “priority seats.”
After the special meeting, Simmons apologized for the events that occurred following the leak.
“I am deeply sorry that this document was written and that I acted in a way that was not consistent with my values. Additionally, I am truly sorry that my colleagues and I have chosen to implement elements of this plan. The sad reality is that several board members, including the board chair and board vice chair, have agreed to elements of this plan and have actively implemented parts of this plan “, he wrote in part.
Simmons also disclosed three meetings on May 9, 10 and 13 with Board President Christina Vera and SCC Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman where the document was discussed.
Additionally, Simmons said he would obtain legal counsel and begin responding to requests for access to public records.
Vera said the attorney would file a lawsuit against Simmons “to compel him to produce the public records in his possession” if he did not respond to requests by the close of business hours Thursday.
The Columbus School Board unanimously approved the censure of Simmons for the remainder of the 2024 calendar year. Disciplinary actions will be reviewed in 2025.
“Tonight. I voted yes to censure my actions over the past two weeks. The truth is, I let frustration cloud my judgment. Because of that frustration, I became desperate. Desperate to deliver for our “This desperation led me to act in a way that was not consistent with my values. Censorship is an appropriate action to which I consented,” Simmons said in his statement.
Other school board members, including Vera, said at the public meeting that they were not involved in the creation of the document.
Vera said Simmons was the sole author of the document and said there was no evidence that other board members were involved in its design.
“I am personally disappointed in Mr. Simmons’ creation of the document and the way he handled the situation publicly. “The board and district administration value our relationships with our labor partners and respect their advocacy on behalf of their members,” she said.
Additionally, Vera removed Simmons from all community assignments, meaning he is no longer part of the equitable and transparent community engagement, advocacy, and resource management committees.