CCS Board Elects Leaders For New Year

The Columbus City School Board last night re-elected Gary Baker as president on a 4-3 vote, despite a challenge from board member Mary Jo Hudson. Baker, who has served two years as president, squeaked into the fourth spot on the board in last November's election.  Hudson, who received the most votes of the eight candidates in that campaign, has been increasingly critical of board spending on travel and communication with the public.  Board member Michael Cole was unanimously approved as vice president.  New board member Eric Brown took his seat last night, sworn in by his wife, Franklin County commissioner Marilyn Brown.  The district is weighing the possibility of going to the voters this fall with a levy request.