Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay joined KLIR radio host Riley Scott on February 18 to discuss how CPS makes weather-related closure decisions, introduce a new elementary principal, and highlight recent student and staff achievements.
Listen Now!
Weather Closures and Safety Decisions
With bitterly cold temperatures and snowfall impacting the area, Dr. Kay explained the factors that go into deciding whether to delay or cancel school. “A phone call, email, or social media post won’t get school canceled,” he said, emphasizing that decisions are made in coordination with city officials, the National Weather Service, and surrounding districts.
Dr. Kay noted that CPS does not typically use late starts because they increase the number of students walking to school rather than being dropped off by parents on their way to work. He encouraged families who need winter clothing assistance to reach out to school counselors or principals, as CPS partners with organizations to provide coats, hats, and gloves to students in need.
New Leadership at North Park Elementary
Dr. Kay announced that Sarah Bird has been named the new principal at North Park Elementary, following the upcoming retirement of longtime principal Bob Hausmann. “Mr. Hausmann has been an outstanding leader for 20 years, and we’re fortunate to have someone like Mrs. Bird ready to step into the role,” he said.
The selection process included input from staff, parents, and district leaders, with a highly competitive applicant pool, including eight current elementary principals from other districts. Dr. Kay praised the strong interest in leadership positions at CPS, which reflects the district’s positive reputation.
Celebrating Grandfriends and Student Success
CPS is once again hosting Grandfriends Day, a beloved event bringing families into elementary schools. “It takes a community to support our students, and the smiles on their faces show how much they love having grandparents and grandfriends in their classrooms,” Dr. Kay said. The Columbus Public Schools Foundation covers the cost of meals for visiting grandparents.
Dr. Kay also highlighted Destination Imagination, a program where students compete in STEM and critical thinking challenges. CPS recently hosted a showcase event and will be welcoming students from across the state for the Destination Imagination state competition at Columbus Middle School. “If you want to see students engage in creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving, this is the event to attend,” he said.
How CPS Communicates Closures and Alerts
To keep families informed, CPS uses ThrillShare, a system that sends text messages, app notifications, emails, and updates on local media outlets. Dr. Kay encouraged parents to verify their contact information with their child’s school to ensure they receive alerts. He also recommended downloading the CPS mobile app, which provides real-time notifications on school closures and emergencies.
With a focus on safety, leadership, and student achievement, CPS continues to prioritize the well-being and success of its students and staff.