E-News Bulletin - Columbus City Schools News and Events

October 12, 2012   2012 Columbus Board of Education Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes, Vice Pres. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs; and Bryan O. Steward. Click here  for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.   Mark Your Calendar!  KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES ·  Oct. 13 – Board of Education Retreat, 9 a.m. ·  Oct. 13 – Transportation Dept. Job Fair, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ·  Oct. 16 – Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m. ·  Oct. 17 – PSAT (11th Grade), PLAN (10th Grade), & EXPLORE (9th Grade) ·  Oct. 22 - 26 - OGT for 11th & 12th Graders ·  Oct. 25 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m. ·  Nov. 6 & 20 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m. ·  Nov. 15 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m.     For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE    We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us   Previous editions of the CCS eNews Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews? To subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Click here     or here to opt out.

Variety of State and National Academic Assessments in October Elementary and high school students will take various state and national tests during October. Third graders began the month taking the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) in Reading. On October 17, all ninth graders will take EXPLORE, tenth graders will take PLAN, and eleventh graders meeting the necessary criteria will take the PSAT. Read the PSAT, EXPLORE, PLAN Administration Guide for more information about these assessments. During the week of October 22, juniors and seniors will be taking the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). A different section is offered each day. Students must pass all five sections in order to earn their diploma. WANTED: Middle Schools Parents Are you a Middle School parent thinking about sending your child to college? Want a $20 gift card? Then you should attend the Blueprint:College workshop sponsored by I Know I Can. The first workshop, College Bound, is offered at five different times and locations. Transportation assistance, child care and dinner are provided. Reservations are required. Use this link, Blueprint:College, for details, or call 233-9510. Gables ES Student Earns High Honors in International Math Talent Search Congratulations to Adrienne G. Heyrosa, a fourth grader attending Gables Elementary school.  Gigi, as she is affectionately called, has been recognized by John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, earning High Honors in the International Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search.  Gigi's Schools and College Abilities Test (SCAT) scores were among the top 30 percent of national and international students who took the test.  Gigi, her family, and teachers have been invited to an awards ceremony next spring.  Congratulations Gigi. Whetstone Dominates City League Sports The Whetstone High School Braves recently completed an amazing run through the City League Championship Week. The Braves took home first place honors in Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, Boys Cross Country, Girls Soccer and Boys Soccer. The Girls Cross Country Team finished second in the City League tournament.  The Braves also celebrate Homecoming tonight with a parade through the school neighborhood and a football game against Linden-McKinley. Way to go Braves! Brookhaven HS 2004 State Championship Team to be Honored The 2004 Ohio High School State Champion Brookhaven Bearcats football team will be honored during half-time at the Brookhaven - Beechcroft football game, Friday, October 19, at the school, 4077 Karl Rd. The 2004 Bearcats were recognized as the top high school athletic team in the past 21 years by This Week Newspapers in 2010. In 2004, the Bearcats dominated their way through the Division II State Championship with a 42-21 win over Avon Lake who boasted their own 29-game winning streak going into the game. Beechcroft was the only team during the 15-0 championship season that came within 20 points of the Bearcats. The Brookhaven/Beechcroft football game could have huge state play-off berth and North City League Championship implications. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m., and gates open at 6:30 p.m. New GED and ESOL Classes Forming For more than 50 years,  the Columbus City Schools Department of Adult and Community Education (ACE) has provided programs for lifelong learning. Adult workforce education courses are offered in health-care occupations, skilled trades, and computer applications. ACE is currently forming new groups for their Graduation Equivalency Degree (GED) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Orientation for these classes will begin in December. For more information, call ACE at 365-5245, or visit their Website.   It's Not Too Late to Get a FREE Lunch Students of families who qualify can get a FREE or reduced-price school lunch through the Federal School Lunch Program. Parents or guardians just need to fill out the on-line application at SchoolLunchApp.com to be considered. For more information, contact the CCS Office of Food Services at 365-5671   Are you on Social Media? Be sure to follow us on Twitter (ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools)

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Bulletin - Columbus City Schools News and Events

October 12, 2012   2012 Columbus Board of Education Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes, Vice Pres. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs; and Bryan O. Steward. Click here  for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.   Mark Your Calendar!  KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES ·  Oct. 13 – Board of Education Retreat, 9 a.m. ·  Oct. 13 – Transportation Dept. Job Fair, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. ·  Oct. 16 – Board of Education meeting, 5 p.m. ·  Oct. 17 – PSAT (11th Grade), PLAN (10th Grade), & EXPLORE (9th Grade) ·  Oct. 22 - 26 - OGT for 11th & 12th Graders ·  Oct. 25 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m. ·  Nov. 6 & 20 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m. ·  Nov. 15 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee meeting, 3:30 p.m.     For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE    We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us   Previous editions of the CCS eNews Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews? To subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Click here     or here to opt out.

Variety of State and National Academic Assessments in October Elementary and high school students will take various state and national tests during October. Third graders began the month taking the Ohio Achievement Assessment (OAA) in Reading. On October 17, all ninth graders will take EXPLORE, tenth graders will take PLAN, and eleventh graders meeting the necessary criteria will take the PSAT. Read the PSAT, EXPLORE, PLAN Administration Guide for more information about these assessments. During the week of October 22, juniors and seniors will be taking the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). A different section is offered each day. Students must pass all five sections in order to earn their diploma. WANTED: Middle Schools Parents Are you a Middle School parent thinking about sending your child to college? Want a $20 gift card? Then you should attend the Blueprint:College workshop sponsored by I Know I Can. The first workshop, College Bound, is offered at five different times and locations. Transportation assistance, child care and dinner are provided. Reservations are required. Use this link, Blueprint:College, for details, or call 233-9510. Gables ES Student Earns High Honors in International Math Talent Search Congratulations to Adrienne G. Heyrosa, a fourth grader attending Gables Elementary school.  Gigi, as she is affectionately called, has been recognized by John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth, earning High Honors in the International Mathematics and Verbal Talent Search.  Gigi's Schools and College Abilities Test (SCAT) scores were among the top 30 percent of national and international students who took the test.  Gigi, her family, and teachers have been invited to an awards ceremony next spring.  Congratulations Gigi. Whetstone Dominates City League Sports The Whetstone High School Braves recently completed an amazing run through the City League Championship Week. The Braves took home first place honors in Boys Golf, Girls Tennis, Boys Cross Country, Girls Soccer and Boys Soccer. The Girls Cross Country Team finished second in the City League tournament.  The Braves also celebrate Homecoming tonight with a parade through the school neighborhood and a football game against Linden-McKinley. Way to go Braves! Brookhaven HS 2004 State Championship Team to be Honored The 2004 Ohio High School State Champion Brookhaven Bearcats football team will be honored during half-time at the Brookhaven - Beechcroft football game, Friday, October 19, at the school, 4077 Karl Rd. The 2004 Bearcats were recognized as the top high school athletic team in the past 21 years by This Week Newspapers in 2010. In 2004, the Bearcats dominated their way through the Division II State Championship with a 42-21 win over Avon Lake who boasted their own 29-game winning streak going into the game. Beechcroft was the only team during the 15-0 championship season that came within 20 points of the Bearcats. The Brookhaven/Beechcroft football game could have huge state play-off berth and North City League Championship implications. Kick-off is at 7:30 p.m., and gates open at 6:30 p.m. New GED and ESOL Classes Forming For more than 50 years,  the Columbus City Schools Department of Adult and Community Education (ACE) has provided programs for lifelong learning. Adult workforce education courses are offered in health-care occupations, skilled trades, and computer applications. ACE is currently forming new groups for their Graduation Equivalency Degree (GED) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). Orientation for these classes will begin in December. For more information, call ACE at 365-5245, or visit their Website.   It's Not Too Late to Get a FREE Lunch Students of families who qualify can get a FREE or reduced-price school lunch through the Federal School Lunch Program. Parents or guardians just need to fill out the on-line application at SchoolLunchApp.com to be considered. For more information, contact the CCS Office of Food Services at 365-5671   Are you on Social Media? Be sure to follow us on Twitter (ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools)

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

RE: How to Train Your Dragon Ticket Giveaway

The tickets are taken!

 

Thank you everyone!

 

Marci

 

 

From: Shumaker, Marci
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 9:03 AM
To: recsportsmembers@lists.studentaffairs.ohio-state.edu
Subject: How to Train Your Dragon Ticket Giveaway

 

Dear Rec Sports Members:

 

The Department of Recreational Sports, a member of the Office of Student Life, has received two family four packs for the TONIGHT’S  Thursday, October 11, 7 p.m. performance of How To Train Your Dragon at the Schottenstein Center.

 

The first two members to respond to this email will receive the ticket packs. Tickets will be available for pick up at the RPAC Welcome Center starting at Noon today.

 

A confirmation email will be sent to winners to bring with them when picking up the tickets.

 

A special thanks to the Schottenstein Center for providing this opportunity to our members!

 

Sincerely,

 

The Department of Recreational Sports

 

 

 

How to Train Your Dragon Ticket Giveaway

Dear Rec Sports Members:

 

The Department of Recreational Sports, a member of the Office of Student Life, has received two family four packs for the TONIGHT’S  Thursday, October 11, 7 p.m. performance of How To Train Your Dragon at the Schottenstein Center.

 

The first two members to respond to this email will receive the ticket packs. Tickets will be available for pick up at the RPAC Welcome Center starting at Noon today.

 

A confirmation email will be sent to winners to bring with them when picking up the tickets.

 

A special thanks to the Schottenstein Center for providing this opportunity to our members!

 

Sincerely,

 

The Department of Recreational Sports

 

 

 

E-News Special Report - Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Responds to Auditor of State's Report

n Special Edition – October 4, 2012

E-News Special Report

Superintendent Responds to Auditor of State's Interim Attendance Investigation Report

The following is a statement issued Oct. 4, 2012 by Columbus City Schools Superintendent/ CEO Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
View Dr. Harris' announcement here.

The investigation into the District's attendance reporting irregularities has been a subject of great concern – both to me and to our community.  More than a year ago I first became aware of inconsistencies in student attendance records in 16 truancy files; I immediately brought the concern to the attention of our Internal Auditor and Auditor of State's investigators.

Notation:  The Auditor's report (on page 6 under Objectives and Scope) incorrectly states that "Dr. Harris indicated the Columbus CSD's internal auditor was made aware of these changes from a truancy officer who was handling a court truancy filing."

When our Internal Auditor provided me with an update last June that indicated there were more files containing undocumented changes made within our student information system, I immediately notified the Ohio Department of Education and the Auditor of State's Office, and asked them to conduct an investigation.  Today, the Auditor of State issued an interim report on 100 schools across Ohio with the highest percentage of students whose tests score were "rolled up" to the state (is not counted as part of the school or school district's scores).

It should not be surprising that the major metropolitan school districts, including Columbus, would be among the top school districts with the highest number of students rolling up to be counted at the state level.  Our student population is extremely mobile in that many students change schools during a school year or leave the district and sometimes return as their family situation changes.

In fact, to follow the transfers of the students whose files were reviewed and who began the 2010-2011 school year at one of the 10 schools audited, the Auditor of State had to look at records in 50 different schools.  That illustrates the extent of mobility in our district.  We also have a higher number and percentage of students who disengage from the educational system altogether due to family or personal issues.

While I am troubled by the fact that the Auditor reports that some student files targeted for review could not be located, I would want to look at this issue further before drawing any conclusions.  The Auditor's investigators undertook a big job in trying to track this many students in a short period of time.  As our students move around the district, and in and out of the district, their files move too.  If the Auditor would provide me with a list of the files he seeks, I will make it a priority to find those files for his investigators.

While there has been widespread talk of millions of questionable changes made to student records within Columbus City Schools, the Interim Report tells a different story.  The 10 schools examined by the Auditor have approximately 4,556 students in total.  Of those 4,556 students, the Interim Audit found issues regarding 337 records, or about 7% of the total number of students in those schools.  The Auditor of State has not identified those students to us, and we have not had an opportunity to see if we could assist in finding additional information or otherwise explain the reasons for the enrollment break for those students. It is important to note something the Auditor of State said, "You cannot assume that these schools are representative of the entire district.  The schools were selected for audit because they had the highest percentage of test scores "rolled up" to the state.

The Auditor of State found that there was no problem with the records of 92.3% of the students at these 10 schools.  And, remember, these 10 schools were selected because they had the highest percentage of test scores "rolled up" to the state.

I am concerned that the Interim Report does not address the issue of how districts were to account for students who are not in attendance for significant periods of time.  The Auditor agrees that school districts should be held accountable for only those students who are in school, but then deems any withdrawals for excessive absenteeism invalid across the board.  My take-away from the Interim Report is that it confirms that districts across the state, not just Columbus, believed that it was permissible under the State guidelines to withdraw students for non-attendance, even though no truancy charges were prosecuted.

The Department of Education's Educational Management Information System (EMIS) reporting program is extremely complex, and there has been very little oversight or monitoring provided to Ohio's school districts to help us navigate all of the regulations and directives.

I agree with the Auditor's suggestion of introducing independent oversight of EMIS monitoring functions.  I also agree with the Auditor's suggestion that ODE create a centralized location on its website to provide clear instruction on accountability requirements and how they relate to reporting.  Student data concerns and the non-attendance issue in particular, have been openly discussed for several years, and publicly reported in the Plain Dealer, and yet no different direction or guidance has come from the state level.  We are now a little more than a month into the new school year. If we need to implement more changes, we need direction now, not six months from now.

We had hoped that even an interim report would provide at least some concrete conclusions or recommendations to help us further improve our attendance data recording and reporting systems, however, we will continue to monitor the issue internally until more information is available.

As for the assertion by some that attendance records were changed by schools to improve State Report Card ratings that is certainly not substantiated by the results of the schools noted in the Auditor's report, as eight of ten school identified were rated as Academic Watch or Academic Emergency on the State of Ohio Report Card.

While we are awaiting specific, conclusive information and recommendations from the Auditor of State, we have already put in place several systems to improve our attendance recording and reporting systems:
-        Established strict access protocols for data entry into student records;
-        Re-established a District Attendance Accountability Team;
-        Established a protocol for student attendance data to be reviewed at the senior leadership level on quarterly basis;
-        Implementation of a new student information system (Infinite Campus);
-        Implementing staff training for secretaries regarding data entry and documentation requirements; and
-        We are reviewing other attendance reporting measures that can be taken within the District.

As superintendent, I have never issued any kind of directive to make changes to student records for any reason.  I am determined that we will fully address any shortfalls in student record-keeping and/or reporting.  This data is vitally important to us as a management tool – and it is vitally important that the community can trust our information.

It is our expectation that as the Auditor completes his statewide investigation he will provide all parties impacted by this issue (schools, school districts, and ODE) with specific recommendations to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the student data reporting system, including processes, accountability measures, and monitoring.


Columbus City Schools is Ohio's largest school district, with an enrollment of more than 50,000 students located in 116 schools, and employing more than 7,700 staff members.

For more information please contact:
Jeff Warner, Director, Communications and Media Relations
(614) 365-5680

###

Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews?
To subscribe to our FREE newsletter

Click here  

or here to opt out.

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Special Report - Columbus City Schools Superintendent/CEO Responds to Auditor of State's Report

n Special Edition – October 4, 2012

E-News Special Report

Superintendent Responds to Auditor of State's Interim Attendance Investigation Report

The following is a statement issued Oct. 4, 2012 by Columbus City Schools Superintendent/ CEO Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
View Dr. Harris' announcement here.

The investigation into the District's attendance reporting irregularities has been a subject of great concern – both to me and to our community.  More than a year ago I first became aware of inconsistencies in student attendance records in 16 truancy files; I immediately brought the concern to the attention of our Internal Auditor and Auditor of State's investigators.

Notation:  The Auditor's report (on page 6 under Objectives and Scope) incorrectly states that "Dr. Harris indicated the Columbus CSD's internal auditor was made aware of these changes from a truancy officer who was handling a court truancy filing."

When our Internal Auditor provided me with an update last June that indicated there were more files containing undocumented changes made within our student information system, I immediately notified the Ohio Department of Education and the Auditor of State's Office, and asked them to conduct an investigation.  Today, the Auditor of State issued an interim report on 100 schools across Ohio with the highest percentage of students whose tests score were "rolled up" to the state (is not counted as part of the school or school district's scores).

It should not be surprising that the major metropolitan school districts, including Columbus, would be among the top school districts with the highest number of students rolling up to be counted at the state level.  Our student population is extremely mobile in that many students change schools during a school year or leave the district and sometimes return as their family situation changes.

In fact, to follow the transfers of the students whose files were reviewed and who began the 2010-2011 school year at one of the 10 schools audited, the Auditor of State had to look at records in 50 different schools.  That illustrates the extent of mobility in our district.  We also have a higher number and percentage of students who disengage from the educational system altogether due to family or personal issues.

While I am troubled by the fact that the Auditor reports that some student files targeted for review could not be located, I would want to look at this issue further before drawing any conclusions.  The Auditor's investigators undertook a big job in trying to track this many students in a short period of time.  As our students move around the district, and in and out of the district, their files move too.  If the Auditor would provide me with a list of the files he seeks, I will make it a priority to find those files for his investigators.

While there has been widespread talk of millions of questionable changes made to student records within Columbus City Schools, the Interim Report tells a different story.  The 10 schools examined by the Auditor have approximately 4,556 students in total.  Of those 4,556 students, the Interim Audit found issues regarding 337 records, or about 7% of the total number of students in those schools.  The Auditor of State has not identified those students to us, and we have not had an opportunity to see if we could assist in finding additional information or otherwise explain the reasons for the enrollment break for those students. It is important to note something the Auditor of State said, "You cannot assume that these schools are representative of the entire district.  The schools were selected for audit because they had the highest percentage of test scores "rolled up" to the state.

The Auditor of State found that there was no problem with the records of 92.3% of the students at these 10 schools.  And, remember, these 10 schools were selected because they had the highest percentage of test scores "rolled up" to the state.

I am concerned that the Interim Report does not address the issue of how districts were to account for students who are not in attendance for significant periods of time.  The Auditor agrees that school districts should be held accountable for only those students who are in school, but then deems any withdrawals for excessive absenteeism invalid across the board.  My take-away from the Interim Report is that it confirms that districts across the state, not just Columbus, believed that it was permissible under the State guidelines to withdraw students for non-attendance, even though no truancy charges were prosecuted.

The Department of Education's Educational Management Information System (EMIS) reporting program is extremely complex, and there has been very little oversight or monitoring provided to Ohio's school districts to help us navigate all of the regulations and directives.

I agree with the Auditor's suggestion of introducing independent oversight of EMIS monitoring functions.  I also agree with the Auditor's suggestion that ODE create a centralized location on its website to provide clear instruction on accountability requirements and how they relate to reporting.  Student data concerns and the non-attendance issue in particular, have been openly discussed for several years, and publicly reported in the Plain Dealer, and yet no different direction or guidance has come from the state level.  We are now a little more than a month into the new school year. If we need to implement more changes, we need direction now, not six months from now.

We had hoped that even an interim report would provide at least some concrete conclusions or recommendations to help us further improve our attendance data recording and reporting systems, however, we will continue to monitor the issue internally until more information is available.

As for the assertion by some that attendance records were changed by schools to improve State Report Card ratings that is certainly not substantiated by the results of the schools noted in the Auditor's report, as eight of ten school identified were rated as Academic Watch or Academic Emergency on the State of Ohio Report Card.

While we are awaiting specific, conclusive information and recommendations from the Auditor of State, we have already put in place several systems to improve our attendance recording and reporting systems:
-        Established strict access protocols for data entry into student records;
-        Re-established a District Attendance Accountability Team;
-        Established a protocol for student attendance data to be reviewed at the senior leadership level on quarterly basis;
-        Implementation of a new student information system (Infinite Campus);
-        Implementing staff training for secretaries regarding data entry and documentation requirements; and
-        We are reviewing other attendance reporting measures that can be taken within the District.

As superintendent, I have never issued any kind of directive to make changes to student records for any reason.  I am determined that we will fully address any shortfalls in student record-keeping and/or reporting.  This data is vitally important to us as a management tool – and it is vitally important that the community can trust our information.

It is our expectation that as the Auditor completes his statewide investigation he will provide all parties impacted by this issue (schools, school districts, and ODE) with specific recommendations to improve the accuracy and efficiency of the student data reporting system, including processes, accountability measures, and monitoring.


Columbus City Schools is Ohio's largest school district, with an enrollment of more than 50,000 students located in 116 schools, and employing more than 7,700 staff members.

For more information please contact:
Jeff Warner, Director, Communications and Media Relations
(614) 365-5680

###

Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews?
To subscribe to our FREE newsletter

Click here  

or here to opt out.

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

October 1, 2012 Highlightgs

			COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: October 1, 2012   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

PROTECTING POLICE OFFICERS:  Armored personnel carrier vehicles are crucial tools for police to carry out their mission to serve and protect Columbus residents.  Ordinance 2101-2012, sponsored by Public Safety and Judiciary Committee Chair Michelle M. Mills, will allow the Columbus Division of Police to acquire one Ballistic Engineered Armored Response Counter Attack Truck (BearCat) for use by SWAT.   The total cost of this vehicle is $208,172.00 and will be paid for with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security.   This will be the second such truck for the Division, giving officers greater flexibility to respond to multiple emergencies. 

 

RECREATION CENTER IMPROVMENTS:  Recreation Centers offer residents and visitors a chance to exercise, play, learn a skill or hobby in a safe and secure environment.   Councilmember Zach M. Klein, chair of the Recreation and Parks Committee, is sponsoring two ordinances 2079-2012 and 2063-2012 that will continue the City’s initiative to upgrade these centers all over Columbus.   2079-2012 allows the City to enter into a $450,000 contract with Braun & Steidl for architectural and engineering services to prepare plans and specifications for bidding for renovations to Westgate Recreation Center. Work is to include general building improvements and renovations such as: replacing exterior/interior doors and windows, HVAC renovations/replacement, lighting and electrical improvements, ceiling and flooring repairs/replacement, painting, plumbing improvements, structural improvements, carpentry, asbestos abatement, security cameras, possible room addition including ADA access to the second floor and other renovation items.  2063-2012 will spend $231,000 to renovate the Bryden Road side of Blackburn Park by demolishing the existing pavement, play equipment and surfaces; demolishing existing lighting and wire fabric fence; tree removal; installing new surfacing, landscaping, play equipment and site furnishings.

 

REEB SCHOOL IMPROVMENTS:  Plans are continuing to move forward to transform a former south side elementary school into a site for neighborhood resources to improve the lives of Columbus residents.   Ordinance 2112-2012, sponsored by Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson, will allow the City to enter into a contract with Moody-Nolan, Inc. for professional architectural and engineering consulting services for the Reeb Avenue Building renovation.    A community partnership has been formed between the City, business and non-profit leaders to use the former elementary school as a location for the delivery of critical human services, childcare, education and civic pride.

 

 

SEWER OVERFLOW PROGRAM:  The City of Columbus is in the midst of a 40 year capital improvement project to eliminate sewer overflows in our community.  Recently, the City received permission from the Ohio EPA to reconsider that plan to emphasize green infrastructure and neighborhood improvements.  If successful, the new plan will allow the City to spend its capital dollars above ground, transforming neighborhoods while also cleaning our rivers.  Ordinance 1413-2012, sponsored by Public Utilities Committee Chair Eileen Y. Paley, will authorize the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a $3.2 million contract modification with Arcadis to assist the City in developing the new plan.

 

JOB CREATION FOR COLUMBUS:  The Columbus City Council supports a variety of job creation efforts in Columbus that have a positive impact for residents and businesses in our community and the region of central Ohio.   Last July, Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Small & Minority Business Development Committee, sponsored ordinance 1687-2012 to spend $7,000 from the Jobs Growth Fund to support the WSYX ABC-6 July and October 2012 Job Boot Camps.   These events bring those in the job market, either unemployed or looking to advance their careers, together with area businesses that are looking to hire workers.  The next Job Boot Camp will take place Wednesday, October 3 at the Aladdin Shrine Center from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The camps are free to all residents and offer an excellent way to network and get help with resume writing and interviewing skills. 

 

PRESIDENTS CUP COMES TO CITY COUNCIL:  In exactly one year from today, Columbus will play host to one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.   The 2013 Presidents Cup will feature the best American golfers against a team of International professionals.   The new Hilton Columbus Downtown will serve as the official hotel for out of town guests and many of the ceremonies and receptions surrounding the event will also be held in Downtown Columbus.  Council President Andrew J. Ginther has invited Dan Sullivan, President of HNS Sports Group, and Matt Kamienski of the PGA Tour to Council Chambers to bring the Presidents Cup to chambers this evening to help detail for the community the many exciting events that will be taking place around Columbus in the next year. 

 

 

-30-

 

 

JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov