The task force recommended that the board consider closing six elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school building.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is once again making the push for phonics-based literacy education for Ohio students after last week's State of the State address.

Central Ohio schools weren't alone in having voters reject their requests for new money. Statewide, only 17% of asks for new money were approved approved by voters on Tuesday, according to Jeff Chambers, spokesperson for the Ohio School Boards Association.

Most districts in central Ohio have policies limiting cellphone use during school hours. For example, the region's largest schools, including Columbus, Olentangy, South-Western and Westerville, all have student conduct policy prohibiting cellphone use during class time unless otherwise instructed by their teacher or principal.

Those appointed to the task force represent a cross-section of the community, and include the president of the Columbus teachers union, religious leaders, a Near East Side barber and community leader, representatives of Columbus City Council and Mayor Andrew Ginther, five students and even some nonresidents of the district.

Consolidating the district's 113 school buildings will reduce costs, the report said, noting that 47% of the schools have not had any major renovations in more than 50 years.