Virtual learning is back for students in Columbus, Ohio — not because of COVID-19 but because of a teacher strike.
Columbus City Schools and the Columbus Education Association teachers union failed to come to an agreement by Sunday evening, triggering a teacher strike and forcing the school board to find a solution for students to continue learning during the labor dispute.
COLUMBUS TEACHERS STRIKE OVER LACK OF AIR CONDITIONING IN CLASSROOMS
Students began the school year online with substitute teachers Wednesday as a federal mediator called both parties to resume bargaining. Both the school board and the teachers union have confirmed the mediator has called negotiations to resume Wednesday, with the union saying the bargaining will resume at 1 p.m. local time.
Columbus City Schools Superintendent Talisa Dixon expressed her disappointment over the strike and offered resources to families in an online message Tuesday.
“With tomorrow being the first day of school, I’d like to emphasize that despite the current situation with our teachers on strike, I am excited to welcome our students back, even if virtually for the time being,” Dixon said. “We all want our students in their classrooms with their teachers. It is where they learn best, and it is what they deserve. Unfortunately, an online start to the school year is unavoidable at this point.”
The union, which serves Ohio’s largest school district, said it is striking over poor learning and teaching conditions, including problems with air conditioning and heating inside classrooms.
Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), who is running for the Senate against Republican J.D. Vance, supported the union in the strike Tuesday.
Our kids have lost so much ground. They need to get back in the classroom. But they can’t learn in extreme temps, leaky buildings or packed classes.
Proud to join @ColumbusEA on the picket line today. I urge @ColsCitySchools back to the bargaining table. #ColumbusStudentsDeserve pic.twitter.com/bEd9xNnthE
— Tim Ryan (@TimRyan) August 23, 2022
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“Our kids have lost so much ground. They need to get back in the classroom. But they can’t learn in extreme temps, leaky buildings or packed classes,” Ryan said in the tweet.
The school board and the teachers union have said they will provide updates on negotiations talks on Wednesday.
