The Columbus Education Union (CEA) already has enough weirdo enemies in the Ohio GOP and conservatives in general. They hate public school teachers and their list of unwarranted grievances and jealousies is long and disturbing – teachers have summers off, they are desperate to privatize education for profit, and public-school teachers’ unions are a key base of support for the Democratic Party.

But now the leaked planning document scandal looking to marginalize any CEA pushback against possible school closures has exposed the Columbus City School Board as a new/old adversary, say CEA union stewards and members to the Free Press.

“The simple fact of the matter is that we [the CEA] hit national news with the strike, and through the power of that and collective bargaining, we won one of the best and strongest contracts in the nation,” a CEA union steward who wished to remain anonymous told the Free Press.

Indeed, the CEA strike at the beginning of the 2022 school year was a historical victory for its roughly 4,500 members. It won basic necessities for teachers and students, such as air conditioning in nearly every school, smaller class sizes, and paid family leave. The strike also boosted teachers’ pay, which was warranted, the Free Press, that has many friends and family in the union, can attest. Not many workers in Columbus are more dedicated, more passionate, or more caring about their jobs than Columbus City School teachers. If you have any doubts, go hang out with them. The conversation will always lead to them talking about their job and how they want the best for their students.

What the CEA and many others always knew was that board member Brandon Simmons wasn’t the only member who planned and wrote the document, that for example, laughably called for heavy machinery to be up-and-running near any CEA public outcry against school closings.

“The fact that only one board member went down for it at first was suspect, now we have proof that there’s more to it,” said a CEA member. “The Board members involved should resign. I am personally disappointed in Dr. Pierce. She’s always seemed to genuinely champion the cause of students and teachers.”

Board Vice President Dr. Tina Pierce is heard on taped conversation with Simmons that blame for the leaked document should fall on Board member Sarah Ingles who leaked it to local media. “I think she [Sarah Ingles] did it out of ethical obligation,” said another CEA member. “I think Ingles’ actions in leaking the documents speaks to her integrity.”

And that’s what the CEA is so desperate for after the Board embarrassed itself – integrity in its members and those who are truly interested in bettering Columbus City Schools. Those looking to jumpstart a political career are not welcomed. Keep in mind much maligned Mayor Andy Ginther was first a Columbus School Board member.

One lingering question is what role, if any, did Columbus School Superintendent Angela Chapman play in the planning document? “Unknown,” said the CEA union steward. “There’s nothing she can do because she reports to the Board. She is doing the right thing by trying to distance herself.”

For those who wholeheartedly support good unions with good intentions for its members, such as the Free Press, was the planning document retaliation for the 2022 strike? While difficult to prove, that would violate federal law as stated by the National Labor Relations Board.