Talisa Dixon

This episode originally aired on July 23, 2020.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced in early July guidelines for local school districts to reopen buildings this fall.

But returning to school has parents and teachers worried, and the rise in COVID-19 infections is causing schools across the state to re-think plans for reopening.

With Franklin County seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases, Columbus City Schools leaders aren't entirely sure how the district will handle school in the fall.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced in early July guidelines for local school districts to reopen buildings this fall.

But returning to school has parents and teachers worried, and the rise in COVID-19 infections is causing schools across the state to re-think plans for reopening.

As Columbus City Schools prepares to close out this school year, district officials are examining the cost of re-opening schools in the fall. 

The Columbus Board of Education has approved a $35,000 deal with Verizon to help get local students internet access.

Columbus City Schools superintendent Talisa Dixon is defending a policy change that would put nearly every third grader on a reading improvement plan. 

A mid-September heatwave in Central Ohio has made it difficult for some students to concentrate in class.  While many suburban districts boast air-conditioning throughout, about 30 Columbus school buildings lack a central cooling system.

Dontavius Jarrells, founder of the Columbus African Council, is searching for answers to the challenges faced by Ohio's African American and African immigrant communities.

Columbus City Schools Superintendent Talisa Dixon announced plans to divide the district into six geographic areas starting next year.