The Columbus Education Commission has released an itemized budget. The commission was appointed by Mayor Michael Coleman to examine challenges facing Columbus City Schools. The 25 member commission budgeted $1 million for about four months of work, including $500,000 allocated from the city's general fund. The itemized budget shows most of the public money, $275,000, is being spent for community outreach, public mailings, TV ads, focus groups, and for the group's final report to the mayor. The final report and the commission's recommendations are expected next month at about the same time the Columbus Board of Education is scheduled to interview candidates for superintendent. Mayor Coleman has asked the school board to appoint an interim superintendent. The school board says it will continue its search for a permanent replacement for retiring superintendent Gene Harris. Harris says she'll retire at the end of June. Columbus Education Commission Releases Budget
| Tasks | City Budget Effective 3/1/2013 | Private Fund Budget |
| Press Relations and Social Media | $112,600 | $100,000 |
| Community Outreach | $145,000 | $85,000 |
| Video | $24,000 | $60,000 |
| Subject Matter Expert Speakers | $7,000 | $50,000 |
| Commision | $0 | $60,000 |
| Public Service Announcement | $30,000 | $0 |
| Research for the Commission | $51,000 | $35,000 |
| Report | $130,000 | $80,000 |
| Logistics | $0 | $30,000 |
| Total Budget | $500,000 | $500,000 |