Columbus Board of Education approves two-year calendars and a slate of policy updates

The Columbus Board of Education voted March 31 to adopt academic calendars for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 school years and approved a package of policy revisions that administrators said bring the district into alignment with new state statutes and operational needs.

Board members approved the calendars unanimously after a short presentation and public comment; Superintendent Dr. Chapman said having two years of approved calendars ‘‘provides added clarity and helps us plan ahead with greater confidence.’’ The board also moved through a group of policies introduced by the policy-and-governance committee, including changes to graduation requirements, grading, artificial intelligence, transportation-related drug testing, diabetes care, medication use and a food-labeling policy tied to a new state law.

Why it matters: Several of the policy changes are legally required. The district’s revised graduation policy (policy 5460) reduces Columbus City Schools’ local credit requirement from 22 to 20 credits to mirror the state standard, a change board members said gives students greater flexibility while preserving academic expectations. The board also adopted an AI policy (7540.09) drafted by a 50-member interdepartmental work group and said administrative guidelines will be used to update procedures as technology evolves.

What the board approved and key votes: The board adopted the academic calendars and multiple policies by roll call. Most votes were unanimous; the revision to policy 5336 (care of students with diabetes) passed with a single dissenting vote from Board Member Mr. Simmons. During the consent-agenda vote, Mr. Simmons recorded no votes on items 16.1 and 16.2 and abstained on item 17.2; he later added an abstention on 15.4. The meeting minutes show all motions carried.

Details and context: Board Chair Vice President Sarah Engles framed the evening’s policy items as a mix of legally required changes and locally developed updates. The revised grading policy (5421) replaces a ‘‘quality point’’ approach with a consistent grade-point scale districtwide, the administration said. Policy 4162.01 establishes drug-and-alcohol testing procedures for classified employees who transport students in non-CDL vehicles, citing recent changes in the Ohio Administrative Code. Policy 5330 clarifies definitions around prescription and over-the-counter medications and adds language to reflect statutory provisions about seizure medications. The brief policy 8500.01 implements state labeling requirements for cultivated-protein and misbranded food products under Ohio Revised Code 3715.60; district staff confirmed milk is not treated as a cultivated-protein product under the statute as written.

Board direction and next steps: Administrators said some items will be accompanied by administrative guidelines to support implementation and that policies will be revisited as state guidance and operational needs change. The board adjourned to executive session under Ohio law to discuss personnel and bargaining matters and did not reconvene in the public room.

Votes at a glance: calendar adoption — approved (unanimous); policy 5460 (graduation requirements) — approved (unanimous); policy 5421 (grades) — approved (unanimous); policy 7540.09 (AI) — approved (unanimous); policy 4162.01 (drug/alcohol testing for non-CDL transport) — approved (unanimous); policy 5336 (care of students with diabetes) — approved (6 yes, 1 no — Mr. Simmons); policy 5330 (use of medications) — approved (unanimous); policy 8500.01 (misbranded/cultivated food) — approved (unanimous). Consent agenda — approved (motion carried; specific no/abstentions recorded by Mr. Simmons on items 16.1, 16.2, 17.2 and later 15.4).

What officials said: ‘‘Having two years of approved calendars in place is something our families have asked for and I’m glad we’re able to respond,’’ Dr. Chapman told the board. Chair Engles noted that some policy changes are driven by legislative action and thanked the interdepartmental teams for their work on compliance.

Implementation notes: Several policies reference Ohio statutes and administrative code provisions (e.g., Ohio Revised Code sections cited during discussion were 3313.48, 3313.7112, 3313.713 and 3715.60). Administrators said training, administrative guidelines and labor-management conversations will support rollout, and they emphasized that staff who decline voluntary diabetes-care training will not be disciplined.

The board also announced a public town hall on April 16 at East High School to discuss how city changes affect district operations.