Columbus Education Association ratifies agreement, students to return to the classroom

COLUMBUS— Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) released the following statement after the Columbus Education Association (CEA) voted on Sunday to ratify a contract with Columbus City Schools, ending the contract dispute and getting students back in the classroom.

“I’d like to congratulate CEA for successfully reaching a deal with Columbus City Schools. It is imperative that we be able to have our children attend school in a safe and comfortable learning environment and that our educators are provided with the resources to perform at their best,” said Rep. Jarrells.

Highlights of the contract include:

·         All student learning areas will be climate controlled by the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, including heating, proper ventilation, and air conditioning;

·         New limit on filling full-time education related service positions, including psychologists and nurses, with out-of-state workers employed by for profit companies;

·         Paid parental leave program for teachers; and

·         Salary increases to attract and retain quality educators.