Shake-up in Columbus school board leadership

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The school board of Ohio's largest school district has new leadership.

On Tuesday, Christina Vera stepped down from her role as Columbus City School Board president, with the board electing longtime member Michael Cole as her replacement.

Vera made the announcement at Tuesday's board meeting, saying it was a "personal decision" but didn't provide any other details. She said she looks forward to continuing to serve as a board member.

Cole was named the new board president by a 4-2 vote with one member abstaining.

The board recently sparked controversy last summer over a leaked memo about how to deal with the public when it came to future school closings, then voted in December to close five schools.

Board member Jennifer Adair, who preceded Vera as board president, was elected vice president.

The board is scheduled to meet on Jan. 21.