As the 2025 year winds down, Columbus City Schools acknowledges the departure of three pivotal Board of Education members. Michael Cole, Ramona Reyes, and Christina Vera are wrapping up their terms, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate in the halls of the district's schools.
Board President Michael Cole, someone with a tenure starting back to 2014, has been known for his devotion to the district's mission statement. “Each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in the global community,” Cole told the CCS district news. This mission has been a guiding force during his presidency, emphasizing the importance of public education and community trust.
Ramona Reyes brought more to the board than 16 years of service when she began her position in 2009. As the first Hispanic elected to the board, her presence marked an era of inclusion and diversity within Columbus's educational governance. "It wasn’t my intention to break barriers; I was just answering the call to serve," Reyes expressed in a CCS district news interview. Her focus has been on experience, empathy, and a spirit that embodied the diversity of the student body she represented.
Completing the trio, Christina Vera's four-year term on the Board has been underscored by her commitment to giving back to the community. A former student and mother within the district, Vera served in various roles, including vice president and president of the board. "I came into this work not only as a mother and an alumna, but as someone who believes in the potential of every child," Vera said according to CCS district news. Her leadership has been an exemplar of service and civic engagement.
The collective efforts of Cole, Reyes, and Vera are credited with shaping Columbus City Schools' trajectory, infusing the educational system with dedication and an aspiration for excellence that has impacted staff, students, and the broader community. The three members may leave their official roles, but the foundational changes they've implemented remain as part of their enduring gift to the district.
