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Columbus schools prepare for virtual learning amid teacher strike

Teachers strike on the sidewalk, and one in a yellow vest speaks into a megaphone
Matthew Rand
/
WOSU
Columbus teachers walk the picket line on South High Street near Stewart Alternative Elementary School.

It's looking all but certain that Columbus students will start the school year on Wednesday online, which is why the district is holding what it calls a "Virtual Family Engagement Session" Tuesday at 6 pm.

Columbus teachers shouted slogans as they marched along picket lines for a second straight day Tuesday.

The Columbus Board of Education announced no new action following an emergency meeting Monday night. Neither side hinted at any progress toward a contract deal on Tuesday.

Teachers continue to call for updated school buildings, smaller class sizes as well as more full-time art, music and physical education teachers.

The district has said students are expected to attend classes held remotely starting Wednesday, but many parents have voiced their intent not to have their children participate in solidarity with teachers.

The city and the Columbus Metropolitan Library both plan to operate support centers for students impacted by the teachers' strike.

Corrected: August 23, 2022 at 4:07 PM EDT
Tuesday's Virtual Family Engagement Session is scheduled for 6 pm. It was originally reported the session was at 7pm.
Matthew Rand is the Morning Edition host for 89.7 NPR News. Rand served as an interim producer during the pandemic for WOSU’s All Sides daily talk show.