My name is Patrick Katzenmeyer, and I live with my wife Liz and our three children just south of Campus. We have two kids in CCS, and a third will start in the fall at our local school Hubbard Elementary. We will have kids in schools throughout the District for the next 14 years. 

​

Our school was on the closure list in 2024. While the process was eventually paused, it created a severe disruption in our school and community. We lost some of our favorite staff members and teachers, and the preschool for the following year is enrolled at only half the size it was the year before - because people don't want to sign up for a school even being considered to close. It scared and confused families. And we were one of many of these schools across the District.  

​

I believe we can do better. We have to be realistic - we can't say we will never close a school - but we must recognize the impact that closing a school has on so many lives.  The planning and communication process surrounding any closures must be much better and more deliberate. The planning and communication process surrounding any closures must be more deliberate and empathetic. We need to have a plan for where the teachers, staff, and students will go. We need to keep communities together as much as possible, and we need to develop these plans alongside those who will be affected (families, teachers, and school staff).   

​

I believe that in this time of district realignment, my experience planning, programming, and building complex public-sector projects can be a huge asset for the Board. I have no ego, and I have no political ambitions – I am doing this because I believe our schools need help, and I have as much skin in the game as anyone. 

​

I would appreciate your vote for member of the Columbus Board of Education.

​

- Patrick