COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Board of Education, the largest school district in Ohio, introduced its newest members and assigned key leadership roles at their first session Tuesday.
Joining the school board are two new members, attorney Sarah Ingles and Columbus City Schools alum Brandon Simmons. They were sworn in by 10th District Court of Appeals Judge David Leland and State Representative Adam Miller, respectively. Ingles and Simmons replace outgoing members Carole Beckerle and Judge Eric Brown.
Prior to the newest members being sworn in, the board started with an organizational meeting where board member Ramona Reyes assumed the temporary role of president pro tempore, overseeing the swearing-in ceremony for re-elected incumbents. Former board president Jennifer Adair was sworn in by the 10th District Court of Appeals Judge Kristen Boggs and Tina Pierce was sworn in by her mother Terri D. Taylor.
Board member Christina Vera unanimously secured the position of board president through peer voting for the coming year. The First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas administered Vera's Oath of Office.
"Your selection as the first Latina to serve as board president is a solemn and historical moment from one first to another first. I know you will do well," Zayas said.
Board president Vera is currently in her first term, which expires December 31, 2025.
Vera further elaborated on her commitment to the board's work going forward.
"One of my main priorities is focusing on community engagement. I want our board to be involved in the community, and I want the community to be involved in the work of Columbus City Schools," Vera said. "I want to thank the community for the passage of Issue 11 and the opportunity to move our District and Board work forward on behalf of our students."
Board member Pierce was re-elected in November 2023 and steps into the role of vice president for 2024. Her term expires on December 31, 2027. Pierce's mother had the honor to administer the Oath of Office for her new role as Vice President, too.
Pierce addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the district, expressed commitment to the community and emphasized the importance of seeking new opportunities.
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to our community, students, staff and colleagues for supporting my candidacy for board leadership. It is a privilege and a great responsibility to take on this role. Collaborative servant leadership will guide my actions and thoughts," Pierce said. "This November, we witnessed the power of our community coming together to support our Columbus City Schools on behalf of our students, and today, our board took action. We look forward to continued dialogue and policy changes that will affect our schools and district in significant ways. We aim to strengthen board governance and community engagement to support our administration, staff and unions, working together to make a difference in the lives of our students and families. In partnership with our students, staff, administration and community, this board will work to move beyond scratching the surface of what is possible; we will dig deep to lay a strong foundation for generations of skilled, compassionate changemakers!"
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the board voted to table committee leadership assignments for a future board business meeting.
The next board business meeting will be held at Beechcroft High School on Jan. 23, starting at 6 p.m.
The 2024 Board of Education public meeting schedule can be found here.