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Columbus City Schools Testing Probe Opens Amid Weekly Policy Shifts
State investigators examine spring 2026 score anomalies at Independence and Walnut Ridge High Schools while new attendance rules begin and virtual enrollment starts.
How we reported this
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce opened an investigation this week into testing irregularities at two Columbus City Schools high schools. District officials had already invalidated every spring 2026 state test score at Independence High School and Walnut Ridge High School after evidence pointed to cell phone use during the exams.
The probe comes as Columbus schools adjust to several policy changes that took effect in the past several days. New state health and attendance requirements now apply to all Ohio public districts, including Columbus City Schools. At the same time, families can enroll students for the 2026-2027 year in two tuition-free virtual options, the Ohio Digital Learning School for grades 9-12 and Ohio Virtual Academy for grades K-12.
Contract and budget moves continue
The Columbus Education Association ratified a two-year re-opener agreement covering the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years. The pact addresses compensation, scheduling and planning time even as union members returned to the bargaining table for further talks with the district. Columbus City Schools is also weighing the closure of four more buildings to reduce costs and meet upcoming state requirements, on top of the five schools already approved for closure in December 2025.
These steps follow the district’s decision to drop mandatory high school busing by changing policy language from “shall” to “may.” The change is part of efforts to address a roughly $50 million budget reduction. Ohio has also released nearly $100 million in grants that could expand community school options in Columbus through the Community in Schools program.
Next steps for families and staff
Parents interested in virtual options can apply now through the listed schools for the coming year. District leaders have not announced a timeline for the testing investigation findings, but the invalidated scores will stand for the affected students at the two high schools. Union and district negotiators are scheduled to meet again on remaining contract items.