The Columbus City Schools' Board of Education is set to reconvene Tuesday afternoon after its July break.
One topic that is likely to be discussed is an unexpected increase in expenditure funds for health care.
CCS board member Brandon Simmons released a statement Monday morning claiming the district is facing an unexpected cost increase of $93.4 million over the next five years.
District treasurer Ryan Cook clarified the increased costs the district is facing is closer to $85.9 million, as factors like lower payroll and “other positive impacts to the bottom line” will decrease the amount.
The increased cost is coming from the district’s Self-Insurance Fund.
The district previously contracted with consulting company Aon-Hewitt to determine the amounts the district and employees would need to pay into the fund. According to the district, an independent review in 2025 found that the fund was underfunded by $22 million, and would be underfunded by $7-$18 million in 2026. Aon-Hewitt’s contract was terminated in March.
Those costs have been covered by a reserve fund, however Simmons warned the longer term impact of this may affect the district’s general fund. He added he would like to see further action taken by the district beyond the contract cancellation.
“There should be a process just like any other time we suspect someone violated board policy where we do an investigation, we interview people, we determine what the facts are,” Simmons said. “Then in a fair and just way, we find out what the next steps of the process are. That doesn't necessarily mean termination, that could be a myriad of other consequences.”
The board is set to meet Tuesday at 6 p.m.
