columbia public schools | 98.3 The Dove

Decision expected today from Boone County judge regarding Basye school board candidacy

January 30, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Then-State Rep. Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) speaks on the Missouri House floor in Jefferson City on May 2, 2022 (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

A bench trial is set for this (Monday) afternoon at the Boone County Courthouse in the case of a former prominent Missouri lawmaker who’s trying to get on April’s Columbia school board ballot.

A bench trial is a trial by judge, rather than a trial by jury. Boone County Circuit Judge Brouck Jacobs has scheduled today’s bench trial for 1 pm, and he announced last week in open court that he expects to issue a decision today.

Former Missouri House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee chair Chuck Basye (R-Rocheport) has filed a 16-page lawsuit against Columbia Public Schools (CPS) and the board, alleging they broke state law when they didn’t accept his candidate filing on December 27, the final day of filing under state law. However, the Aslin building was closed that day, due to it being a district holiday.

CPS says filing was available by appointment that day, but that appointments needed to have been made by December 22.

Mizzou and MACC funding continue to be top priorities for Columbia business leaders

January 20, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

A drone view of Mizzou’s Jesse Hall in Columbia (2022 file photo courtesy of Mizzou spokesman Uriah Orland)

Missouri’s governor is proposing a $71-million increase in core funding to Missouri’s public higher education institutions, like the University of Missouri. It’s the largest increase in 25 years, according to Governor Mike Parson (R).

Funding for Mizzou and Moberly Area Community College (MACC) is a top priority for Columbia Chamber of Commerce president Matt McCormick.

“You know we’re an education town and the University of Missouri is our land-grant and is our flagship university here. And they do so much in education but also so much through the (MU) Extension. We saw the work that Marshall Stewart did and his team at Extension has done for our local community,” McCormick says.

McCormick notes MACC is also state-funded.

“Their largest campus is right here, (their) largest student-populated campus is right here in Columbia. And how can we make sure to support MACC so they can continue to develop that workforce of the future. They’ve got great programs like early college with Columbia Public Schools (CPS) and how those work together,” says McCormick.

The governor is also proposing $275-million in “transformational” capital improvement projects at Missouri’s public higher education institutions.

Accumulating snow expected in mid-Missouri on Thursday, along with dangerously cold wind chills

December 19, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

Here is the latest information from the National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis (December 19, 2022 graphic courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

Warmer temperatures than originally expected for this Monday morning have decreased the chance of snow for today. While we’re expecting to see a bit of a rain-snow mix today in Columbia, Jefferson City and much of mid-Missouri, the National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says little travel impacts are expected.

The big system we’re watching will impact central Missouri all day Thursday. While models are still being adjusted, the NWS says it’s increasingly likely that ingredients will align for accumulating snowfall on Thursday, following by dangerous wind chills. NWS St. Louis meteorologist Melissa Byrd says the snow should arrive in mid-Missouri early Thursday morning and continue until Thursday afternoon and possibly into the evening. Byrd tells 939 the Eagle that we’re expecting about five inches of snow or less, with the heaviest amounts north of I-70.

It’s important to note that models will continue to change, so those numbers could change as well as we get closer to Thursday. Keep fresh batteries with your radio and keep it tuned to 939 the Eagle for updated forecast information.

Most schools will not be impacted by Thursday’s snow. Wednesday is the final day for Columbia Public Schools (CPS) and the Jefferson City School District, before the Christmas break.

Handwashing etiquette is component in COVID school plan for CPS

September 13, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia’s Rock Bridge high school (2021 file photo is courtesy of CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark)

A COVID plan has been approved by Columbia’s school board for this year.

The board has approved a seven-page plan supported by Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood, which says the best opportunity for students to learn is in-person with their teachers in district buildings.

While masks are optional for students and staff, CPS students, staff and visitors can choose to wear a face covering. The plan also calls for all CPS students and staff to cover coughs and sneezes, and to practice good handwashing etiquette. The plan also calls for CPS to maintain adequate supplies of soap, paper towels, hand sanitizers and other items.

The plan says that students and staff members who visit the school nurse for illness will be screened for COVID symptoms. Students who have coronavirus-like symptoms, not otherwise explained, will be sent home. A doctor’s note OR a negative COVID test will be required to return to school.

CPS’ enrollment has increased by more than 2,000 in past 11 years

August 24, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

Fast-growing Columbia Public Schools (CPS) has recorded its highest first-day enrollment count ever. Tuesday was the first day of classes at CPS, and district spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark says there’s an increase of 669 students compared to last year’s enrollment, which was about 18,500. CPS’ total first-day enrollment is 19,196, the district’s highest first-day enrollment count …