Columbus City Schools board member accused of writing leaked document apologizes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The Columbus City Schools Board of Education member accused of writing a leaked memo describing how the board should handle the narrative surrounding its facilities has issued an apology amid calls for his resignation.

The superintendent’s task force is looking at which schools in the district should be closed, consolidated or left as is. A leaked six-page document details a strategy on how to take control of the narrative of the task force.

The memo includes ideas such a driving a wedge between the teachers union and other staff, moving meeting locations at the last minute and packing meetings with administrative staff supportive of the task force's work.

Brandon Simmons, the board member accused of being the sole author of the memo, apologized to the teachers union and the community on Thursday. In an open letter, Simmons said he understands the gravity of the memo, and that he "deeply regrets not standing by his values."

However, Simmons went on to say that he stands by his earlier comments about the memo being a "collaborative document" that was discussed in multiple meetings, but that he and others made a "serious error in judgment." The district said earlier this week that Simmons was the only board member who contributed to the document.

In a post on social media, board member Sarah Ingles claims she leaked the document. Ingles stated that she was not in any meeting where the memo was shared, nor did she have any part in writing it.

She said after serious consideration of what was best for the district, she decided to share it, writing that the board's work in the district is too important for the kinds of "divisive and absurd" tactics the memo called for.

In a statement, Board President Christina Vrea wrote that while "the disappointing actions have interrupted" work in the district, the board "remains committed to doing what is best for students, the district and the school community."

Meanwhile, the board of education will hold an executive private session on Wednesday to discuss the "next steps" in this matter.