After work, I poured myself a glass of soju and was flipping through local news when my hand stopped. Columbus City Schools brought up the topic of school closures again.

They made significant cuts last year, and now they're talking about it again this year. Honestly, that first sip went down a bit bitter. My friends in the parenting group chat are already buzzing about it.

Let's start with the numbers. The five-year financial forecast released in August indicated that without new revenue sources or additional cuts, the district would face over $50 million in deficit spending.

Last year around this time, there was also talk of a $50 million hole. At that time, the board managed to cope by closing four schools, reducing school bus operations, and eliminating 299 positions.

But now, a similar-sized hole has appeared again within a year. It feels like finishing the second round of drinks only to receive the bill for a third round.

Board Chair Antoinette Miranda explained that 82% of the budget goes to personnel costs. She mentioned that last year's cuts were mainly filled by natural retirements, but this time it might be different.

Ultimately, they have no choice but to reduce staff further, close more buildings, or raise taxes. Chair Miranda did not rule out the possibility of new levies.

In mid-October, during a town hall meeting, Superintendent Angela Chapman presented specific plans for building reallocations. The key issue is that there are too many vacant seats.

Out of the district's 109 school buildings, about 20% of the seats, or roughly 13,000 desks, are empty. Some schools aren't even filling 30% of their capacity.

I remember what Superintendent Chapman said: "the math isn't math-ing," meaning the calculations just don't add up.

Looking at the student enrollment trends, it makes sense. In the 2015-16 school year, there were over 49,000 students, but by the 2025-26 school year, that number is projected to drop below 46,000.

That's a decrease of over 3,400 students, nearly 7%. Meanwhile, the Olentangy district to the north has seen an increase of over 24% during the same period, so it's clear where people are moving.

Let's take a look at the proposals one by one. First, there's a plan to close Siebert Elementary in the south after the 2026-27 school year and send students to Stewart and Southwood.

Siebert has fewer than 50 students living in the district and fewer than 20 actually attending. The expected savings are $1.5 million.

A similar proposal has been made to close Highland Elementary at the same time. The building, constructed in 1895, is only about 60% full.

Highland students would move to West Mound and Burroughs, and the building would be used temporarily during the reconstruction of West Broad Elementary. The expected savings are estimated at $1.4 million.

The situation in Mifflin is a bit more complicated. After the 2027-28 school year, Mifflin High would close, and that building would be converted into the new Mifflin Middle, while the current middle school building would close.

The expected savings here are $3.7 million, but it's still unclear where Mifflin High students will go. This must be the most frustrating part for parents.

The Columbus City Preparatory schools for boys and girls are also on the list for relocation. Combined, the two schools have fewer than 300 students, and they expect to save $4.1 million by consolidating the buildings.

Columbus Gifted Academy is set to move to the Franklin Middle building, and the adult education program will move to the Eastmoor Middle building.

Let's do some quick math. Even if we add up the savings from these four proposals, it only totals $10.7 million. That's still far short of the $50 million, so discussions about staff reductions will likely come up again.

There are also variables from the state government. Senate Bill 311, which passed the Ohio Senate, would allow the state to force the sale of school buildings that are less than 60% full, and it's currently in the House.

If the district doesn't reorganize itself, there's pressure that someone else might do it for them. I see this as one of the reasons for the current urgency.

However, nothing is finalized yet. Superintendent Chapman emphasized that this is not the final decision, and the board vote is scheduled for December.

So if you have a child attending one of these schools, now is the time to make your voice heard. I recommend checking the district's website for the board meeting schedule and how to submit your opinions.

Some adjustments to school district boundaries have already been set, while others are still under review, so it's a good idea to check where your home address will be assigned.

Personally, I don't think holding onto vacant buildings is the solution. But if neighborhood schools disappear, issues with commuting distances and bus routes will follow.

They already reduced bus operations last year, and if schools become farther away, it will be a real headache for working families. I hope they consider the students' travel routes along with the numbers.

If it were me, I would definitely attend a town hall before the December vote and question where the money from any new levies would be spent.

That's all for today; I'll finish my drink. I can buy another bottle of soju tomorrow, but once a school closes, it's hard to reopen it, and that weighs on my mind.