Columbus schools plan a bold step for taxpayers, Columbus kids| Opinion

n today’s tumultuous political environment, where climate action faces deep uncertainty at the federal level, local leadership has never mattered more.

• Columbus City Schools passed a Safe Green Schools Policy to address climate change and financial issues.

Amanda King is a parent with two children at Indianola Informal K-8 and an affordable housing development consultant. 

Public schools are in the business of preparing children for success when they become adults.

It’s heartening to see Columbus City Schools taking steps to secure their future and build resilience in the face of climate change by passing a Safe Green Schools Policy.

This forward-thinking approach does more than make our schools healthier and safer – it strengthens the district’s financial foundation at a critical moment.

In December, after years of inadequate state funding, the school board faced the painful task of cutting $50 million from its budget.

This goes beyond what’s good for the environment

The board voted to close schools, reduce transportation and eliminate staff positions. Yet last year alone, Columbus schools spent $11 million on electricity and over $2 million on gas, according to the Columbus City Schools’ Open Finance tool.

More: Newly elected CCS board speak out on $50 million district cuts

Those are dollars that could have supported teachers, programs and students instead of utility companies.

And with AEP asking the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to let it jack up rates even further, the district could be paying $2 million more a year.

By adopting this policy, Columbus City Schools is strategically capturing unprecedented federal funding through the Inflation Reduction Act to install solar panels, upgrade to efficient electric systems and modernize aging infrastructure.

These aren’t just environmental improvements – they’re smart fiscal investments that will slash our district’s energy costs for decades to come, freeing up desperately needed funds for classrooms as we face mounting state budget cuts and rising utility costs.

District’s move a step towards protecting our children

But the stakes go beyond budgets. Dirty energy is literally making our children sick.

Franklin County reports nearly 21,000 cases of pediatric asthma, according to the American Lung Association.

Heatwaves trigger poor air quality that exacerbates asthma symptoms, and this year the American Lung Association gave Franklin County a dismal “F” for particle pollution, despite an overall “C” for air quality.

Our kids spend over 15,000 hours in school buildings by the time they graduate. We owe them learning environments that protect their health, not compromise it.

This policy commits our district to becoming carbon-free by 2050, with concrete benchmarks that include achieving 100% renewable power by 2035 and transitioning to electric equipment and zero-emission vehicles.

These aren’t abstract goals – they’re a roadmap for improving the health and well-being of every student CCS educates.

The entire city will benefit

The city of Columbus has already committed to reducing emissions 45% by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

As a district serving 46,000 students and employing nearly 9,000 staff, Columbus schools represents a significant piece of that puzzle.

Under the Safe Green Schools Policy, the district will take practical, measurable steps – appointing a sustainability projects coordinator, conducting clean energy assessments for all capital projects, launching demonstration projects and integrating green career training into the curriculum – preparing students not just for a sustainable future, but for the green jobs that future will create.

In today’s tumultuous political environment, where climate action faces deep uncertainty at the federal level, local leadership has never mattered more.

Columbus City Schools is stepping up – proving that we don’t have to wait for Washington to protect our children’s future and make smart investments in our community.

Our children have been watching to see whether we’ll address climate change or simply hand them the problem.

As a mom of two young children, I want them to see we’re taking action for them.

The leaders of Columbus City Schools have answered clearly: They’re committed to our children’s health, their future and the responsible stewardship of public resources.

In uncertain times, this is what real leadership looks like – and our city should be proud.

Amanda King is a parent with two children at Indianola Informal K-8 and an affordable housing development consultant.