Construction is set to begin next summer on the $15-million addition and renovation of the Columbia Area Career Center (CACC).

Columbia Public School (CPS) voters approved an April bond issue that provides funding for the project.

CPS Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood and area business leaders describe the CACC as critical for workforce development. Dr. Yearwood recently told 939 the Eagle that CPS will be looking at its scholars graduating with certifications that would allow them to go into the workforce directly. Examples would include automobile mechanics, photography and culinary arts.

The CACC project is one of several that CPS chief operations officer Randy Gooch will highlight tonight (Monday) in his nine-page presentation to the school board.

He’ll also update on the board on renovations at Columbia’s Jefferson middle school, which are scheduled to be completed in August 2023. Jefferson Middle School is located on Rogers and was built in 1910. It is a STEAM academy and its mission is to “develop curious minds into compassionate, connected citizens … one student at a time.”

Tonight’s board meeting begins at 6:30 at the Aslin building.